As South Africa becomes more politically unstable, the previously fringe idea of Cape Independence is growing in popularity. But what would an independent Cape look like and what would Cape secession mean for the future of the country as a whole?
In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast I speak to Phil Craig of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG) about why he believes complete independence is the only way to save the Cape.
We discuss recent polling conducted by the CIAG which reveals growing enthusiasm for the idea of Cape secession. Phil believes that the Western Cape's consistent rejection of African Nationalism puts the province at odds with the politics of the rest of the country, and that it would be better off governing its own affairs and not being held hostage to hostile policies emanating out of Pretoria.
I put it to Phil that secession may risk destabilizing South Africa and could lead to a disorderly breakup of the country along racial or ethnic grounds. I state my preference for greater levels of federalism and decentralisation rather than full-blown independence. Phil notes that he is not ideologically opposed to federalism, but is opposed to it on pragmatic grounds.
We also spend some time towards the end of the conversation reflecting on the lessons from independence movements in other parts of the world, such as Scotland and Catalonia.
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00) Intro
(0:28) Phil Craig on what is the Cape Independence Advocacy Group?
(2:39) Phil Craig on why Cape Independence is necessary
(4:57) Phil Craig on what citizens of the Cape think of Independence
(7:06) Phil Craig on polling methodology
(10:04) Phil Craig on how political parties are responding to Cape Independence
(14:42) Phil Craig responds to concerns about the break-up of South Africa
(18:40) Phil Craig on non-racialism and the Cape Liberal Tradition
(22:08) Phil Craig the policies of an Independent Cape
(24:58) Phil Craig on the proposed border between the Cape and South Africa
(26:26) Phil Craig on what happens if Pretoria refuses to acknowledge Cape Independence
(30:24) Phil Craig on international examples of independence movements
(34:33) Phil Craig on lessons from the European Union
(36:54) Phil Craig on the next steps for the Cape Independence Advocacy Group
(39:40) Phil Craig on the difference between federalism and Cape Independence
(44:48) Conclusion
RESOURCES
Cape Independence Advocacy Group website: https://www.capeindependence.org/about
Cape Independence Polling Results (August 2021): https://www.capeindependence.org/post/ciag-poll-aug-2021
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Helen Zille on surviving WOKENESS | Solutions With David Ansara Podcast #1: https://youtu.be/ZoCsWLv5LkU
Richard Wilkinson on federalism in South Africa | Solutions With David Ansara Podcast #9: https://youtu.be/vFLg8pn8OqI
AUDIO
Listen to this episode on your preferred podcast app: https://anchor.fm/david-ansara/episodes/Phil-Craig-on-Cape-Independence-e169moh
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