Marius Roodt’s heartfelt ode to South African nationalism in his article, South Africa – A Fine Place, Worth Fighting For (June 26, 2025), evokes a powerful sense of unity and pride in our shared identity. His anecdotes of camaraderie across racial and social divides and the emotional highs of national sports victories underscore a “South Africanism” that many cherish.
Yet, while South Africa remains a fine place in spirit, the Western Cape’s distinct values and aspirations demand a bolder step: independence.
The destruction wrought by centralized mismanagement is irreversible, and fragmentation through legal, peaceful, and democratic means is now the only way for the Western Cape to preserve its values and build lasting prosperity.
South Africa faces a cascade of crises.
GDP growth is virtually non-existent, trailing behind neighbouring African nations and other developing countries. The national debt approaches a breaking point. Violent crime and unemployment, among the world’s highest, fuel social unrest. Policies favouring a politically connected elite deepen inequality across all racial groups.
These failures stem from the centralized dominance of the African National Congress (ANC), which, despite securing only 40% of the national vote in 2024, retains control over critical functions—foreign policy, economic policy, healthcare, education, policing, defense, transport, welfare, and immigration—within the facade that is the Government of National Unity (GNU).
This centralization stifles regions like the Western Cape, where voters have consistently rejected ANC governance for over three decades.
The Western Cape is unique.
Most of its electorate has never endorsed the ANC, instead supporting parties that align with values of economic freedom, accountable governance, and social stability. The CapeXit movement, backed by a mandate of 840,000 supporters, and the vocal advocacy of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG) demonstrate a growing demand for independence.
Far from a fringe idea, this movement reflects a sober recognition that the Western Cape’s values and potential are incompatible with a failing central state. Independence would empower the province to enact fair, growth-oriented policies, reverse crippling economic stagnation, curb violent crime, and reduce inequality—outcomes unattainable under Pretoria’s yoke.
As such, Roodt’s claim of a “relative absence of secessionist movements” in South Africa overlooks the significant momentum behind Cape independence. The 840,000-strong mandate for CapeXit and the active discourse led by the CIAG signal a robust regional push, distinct from historical efforts like those in KwaZulu-Natal.
This is not so much about rejecting South African unity but acknowledging that the centralized system has failed the Western Cape’s people. The province’s diversity—cultural, linguistic, and economic—demands not just tailored solutions but a complete break to safeguard its future.
The “South Africanism” Roodt celebrates is inspiring but increasingly unsustainable amid systemic collapse. National pride, whether from a Proteas victory or shared moments abroad, cannot mask the reality of a crumbling economy, rampant crime, and growing distrust.
For the Western Cape, independence is not a betrayal of South Africa but a pragmatic act of salvation.
By pursuing self-determination through democratic and legal means, the province can protect its values, foster prosperity, and stand as a beacon of what could have been possible for the nation. South Africa may be a fine place, but for the Western Cape, the fight is for freedom from a failing state.
* Originally published in Daily Friend
