Cape Independence advocate's permanent residency under scrutiny by parliamentary committee

A PARLIAMENTARY committee wants Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber and the department to clarify options available to revoke the permanent residence permit of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group's Phillip Craig.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

This was after the legal opinion received by the committee stated that the power to revoke Craig's permit rested with director-general Tommy Makhode and that there must be evidence that he breached the Immigration Act.

The committee sought the legal opinion after it was briefed by the department earlier this year that Craig held a permanent residence permit, with no pending applications for naturalisation.

There have been calls to withdraw his permanent residency status because of his advocacy for the secession of the Western Cape, which some deem to pose a threat to national security and public order.

The legal opinion said the Constitution gives citizens a right to make political choices which include a right to campaign for a political party or cause.

“However, the Constitution also protects the rights such as the rights to freedom of expression, association and belief and opinion. The protection of these rights extends to everybody, including non-citizens”