Why Ramaphosa cannot stop Western Cape secession

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa's recent dismissal of Western Cape secession - as reported in the Cape Times does not slow down the debate on Cape independence.

- JACK MILLER

Quite the contrary, it highlights a deeper constitutional and political question: Do the people of the Western Cape have the democratic right to decide their own political future?

The article presents the president's remarks as a decisive "blow" to the Cape Independence Party (CAPEXIT). In reality, they simply reflect his political preference - not the limits of constitutional possibility, nor the concerns of millions of residents who increasingly feel unrepresented, overtaxed, discriminated against, and terribly governed by the national government.

Ramaphosa quotes the founding provisions of the Constitution, stating that South Africa is "one, sovereign, democratic state." This is correct - but incomplete. The Constitution also recognises democracy, accountability, and self-determination as foundational values. International law, to which South Africa is bound, further protects the principle that distinct communities may seek forms of political autonomy where persistent democratic deficits exist.