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Calls mount for Cape Independence proponent’s deportation

todayMarch 27, 2025 78 1

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The calls for the deportation of UK national, Phil Craig, are intensifying, with growing anger from various sectors of society.

Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schrieber, is under fire for his silence over the cloud surrounding the man who has at the forefront of the battle for the Western Cape to be an independent.

A petition titled “Keep South Africa Safe” that’s calling for his return to his home country has now garnered over 66 000 signatures.

The petition, circulating widely on social media, is a clear reflection of the deep concerns surrounding Craig’s presence and his controversial stance on the secession of the Western Cape.

Craig, who has reportedly lived in South Africa for over 20 years, and leads the Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG), has long lobbied for the creation of a separate Cape state.

Many feel his actions are not only divisive but are also reminiscent of the apartheid-era ideologies that the majority of South Africas fought so hard to overcome.

“We have strived for unity and equality among all citizens regardless of their race or ethnicity. The introduction of divisive ideologies from foreign nationals like Phil Craig threatens this progress,” the petition reads.

It urges the government to deport Craig, stating that doing so would send a powerful message that divisive, separatist ideologies will not be tolerated.

Action SA’s parliamentary chief whip, Lerato Ngobeni, penned a letter to the Home Affairs Minister imploring him to reject Craig’s citizenship application.

She says Craig is actively undermining the unity of South Africa and is not a good character.

“If he advocates for the secession of the Western Cape, he clearly does not wish to reside in the Republic. ActionSA believes that any individual who sows such disunity amongst South Africans and who clearly wishes for the Western Cape not be part of the Republic should certainly not be given the privilege of being given South African citizenship as he clearly wishes not to be part of a unified South Africa,” adds Ngobeni.

The party has threatened to take legal action if the Minister approves Craig’s application, amplifying the tension and sense of urgency surrounding the issue.

Meanwhile, ATM President Vuyolwethu Zungula , has accused the Government of National Unity (GNU) of emboldening racists.

He pointed out a double standard, contrasting the government’s response to the issue of Craig’s citizenship with its handling of Chidimma Adetshina’s mother’s alleged identity fraud.

“When we asked about the citizenship status of Phillip Craig, the DA Minister of Home Affairs hid behind POPIA, yet when he was asked about Chidimma’s mother, he didn’t have any issues answering,” said Zungula.

As the debate rages on, some South African’s have lambasted the brazenness of people who continue to test the country’s immigration policies.

Phil Craig is a textbook definition of Persona Non Grata! Revoke his permanent residence, deny him citizenship and send him back to his home. Time to call it what it is! #PersonaNonGrata!

Written by: Lindiwe Mabena

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