ActionSA

ActionSA Parliamentary Chief Whip Lerato Ngobeni has called on Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber to reject the citizenship application of Phil Craig, a British national leading the Western Cape secession movement. In a letter dated Thursday, 27 March 2025, Ngobeni argued that Craig, head of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group, does not meet the requirements of the South African Citizenship Act, 1995, due to his efforts to undermine the country’s unity. She warned that if Craig’s application is approved, ActionSA will explore legal action to challenge the decision.

A Stand Against Division

Lerato Ngobeni, a key figure in ActionSA, didn’t mince words in her plea to Minister Schreiber. “I have just written to the Minister of Home Affairs @Leon_Schreib, requesting that he reject the citizenship application of Phil Craig, a foreigner actively undermining the unity of the Republic,” she said. “Should his application be approved, ActionSA will consider our legal options.” Her letter, sent on 27 March 2025, lays out a strong case against Craig, who has been pushing for the Western Cape to break away from South Africa and form an independent state.

Craig, a permanent resident originally from the UK, has led the Cape Independence Advocacy Group for years, stirring debate with his calls for secession. Ngobeni’s move comes after Craig reportedly confirmed his citizenship application in a comment published on 25 March 2025, sparking concern among political leaders who see his actions as a threat to national unity.

Why ActionSA Wants Craig’s Application Blocked

Ngobeni’s letter to Schreiber pulls no punches. She argues that Craig fails to meet the standards set by the South African Citizenship Act, 1995, which guides who can become a citizen. Specifically, she points to Section 5(1)(d), which requires an applicant to be of “good character,” and Section 5(1)(e), which states they must intend to “reside in the Republic.” For ActionSA, Craig’s campaign to split the Western Cape from South Africa disqualifies him on both counts.

“ActionSA is of the view that any individual who advocates for the secession of the Western Cape and actively undermines the unity of the Republic of South Africa is not an individual of good character as is required by the Act,” Ngobeni wrote. She added, “Moreover, if he advocates for the secession of the Western Cape, he clearly does not wish to reside in the Republic.” Her argument is simple: someone who wants to fracture the country shouldn’t be allowed to join it as a citizen.

The Citizenship Act gives the Home Affairs Minister the power to approve or deny applications based on these factors, and Ngobeni is urging Schreiber to use that discretion to say no. She believes granting Craig citizenship would reward division and set a dangerous precedent.

The Cape Independence Debate Heats Up

Phil Craig’s push for Western Cape independence isn’t new, but it’s gaining attention as his citizenship bid comes under scrutiny. The Cape Independence Advocacy Group claims the province could thrive on its own, citing economic strength and cultural differences. Supporters argue it’s about self-determination, while critics—like ActionSA—see it as a divisive ploy that weakens South Africa’s hard-won unity.

The movement has stirred mixed feelings. Some in the Western Cape back the idea, frustrated by national governance issues like load shedding and unemployment. But many, including political heavyweights, warn it could spark chaos and erode the country’s identity. Ngobeni’s letter reflects this broader worry, framing Craig as a threat to the nation’s fabric. “ActionSA believes that any individual who sows such disunity amongst South Africans… should certainly not be given the privilege of being given South African citizenship,” she wrote.

Recent polls suggest the secession idea has limited support—less than 5% of South Africans back it—but it’s a loud minority that keeps the debate alive. Craig’s British roots and permanent residency status only add fuel to the fire, with opponents questioning his loyalty to a united South Africa.

ActionSA’s Legal Threat and Broader Context

Ngobeni isn’t stopping at a request. She’s made it clear ActionSA is ready to fight if Craig’s application slips through. “In the event you approve Mr Craig’s application, ActionSA will consider its legal options in this regard,” she warned Schreiber. This could mean a court challenge, leveraging the Citizenship Act’s provisions to argue that Craig’s actions disqualify him. It’s a bold stance from a party known for its tough line on sovereignty and immigration.

This isn’t ActionSA’s first clash over citizenship or national unity. The party has been vocal about tightening borders and prioritising South Africans, as seen in its #Spaza4Locals campaign against foreign-owned township shops. Ngobeni, as Chief Whip, has led oversight visits to Home Affairs facilities and pushed for accountability on issues like deportations, which cost taxpayers nearly R200 million since 2022. Craig’s case fits into their bigger mission to protect South Africa’s interests.

What Happens Next?

The ball is now in Minister Schreiber’s court. As Home Affairs head, he’ll weigh Craig’s application against the Citizenship Act and public pressure. A decision could come soon, given the high profile of the case, but it’s unclear how he’ll rule. Schreiber, a DA member, has focused on streamlining Home Affairs since taking office in 2024, but he’s also faced calls to crack down on immigration loopholes—something ActionSA has long demanded.

If Schreiber says yes to Craig, ActionSA’s legal threat could spark a courtroom showdown, testing the Act’s boundaries. If he says no, it might embolden anti-secession voices and quiet the Cape independence push—for now. Either way, the outcome will ripple through South Africa’s political landscape, especially in the Western Cape, where tensions over identity and governance simmer.

A Nation Watches

For everyday South Africans, this is more than a legal spat—it’s about who gets to call this country home. Ngobeni’s stand taps into a deep pride in unity forged through decades of struggle. “He clearly wishes not to be part of a unified South Africa,” she wrote of Craig, echoing a sentiment many share. As the debate unfolds, it’s a reminder of the delicate balance between individual rights and national solidarity.

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