ATM Pushes for Revocation of Cape Independence Leader’s Citizenship Amidst Growing Tensions

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has sparked controversy by calling on the Department of Home Affairs to revoke the citizenship of Philip Craig, a prominent advocate for Cape Independence. The party, through its leader Vuyo Zungula, argues that Craig’s actions are divisive and threaten the unity and stability of South Africa.

In a statement released on Monday, Zungula emphasized that Craig’s relentless pursuit of Cape Independence is fostering social and political discord in the country. “Craig is agitating for fragmentation and division in South Africa,” Zungula stated, highlighting the potential dangers of Craig’s campaign.

Zungula’s letter to the Minister of Home Affairs outlines his concerns: “I am compelled to draw your urgent attention to the concerning actions of Mr. Phil Craig, a British citizen with citizenship in South Africa, who is the leader of the Cape Independence Movement and the Referendum Party. Mr. Craig has been actively advocating for and promoting the independence of the Western Cape Republic of South Africa. This, as I think you may appreciate, raises significant concerns regarding the potential fragmentation of South Africa, as Cape independence would undermine the country’s unity and diversity, lead to economic instability, and potentially create new social and political tensions.”

Zungula accuses Craig of deliberately promoting an enclave for white people in the Western Cape through his political vehicle, the Referendum Party (RP). He further asserts that Craig’s cessation agenda is inherently divisive and could exacerbate racial tensions in South Africa. “Mr. Craig has not only made public statements advocating the secession of the Western Cape but has also led a movement to this end which mobilises others to join his cause. If this notion is allowed to be mobilised even further, it could worsen South Africa’s racial tensions,” Zungula warns.

In response, Craig dismissed the ATM’s claims as mere “political grandstanding.” Speaking to ‘The Star,’ he defended his stance, arguing that his advocacy is well within the bounds of South Africa’s democratic principles. “Ironically, the mindset Vuyo is exhibiting is one of the motivations for Cape Independence. We live in a constitutional democracy where freedom of political expression is beneficial and protected. Self-determination is a peremptory norm of international law and South Africa has repeatedly sworn to uphold it,” Craig asserted.

Craig further criticized the ATM’s position, suggesting that it reflects a deeper ideological clash between the two parties. “The Referendum Party stands for everything the ATM isn’t—we are democratic non-racialists, they are radical African nationalists. The majority of people in the Western Cape are opposed to his values,” he noted.

Despite the controversy, Craig remains steadfast in his advocacy for Cape Independence, which he believes should be decided through a referendum reflecting the democratic will of the Western Cape’s population. “Yes, I still advocate for Cape Independence based upon a referendum to determine the democratic will of the Western Cape people,” Craig affirmed.