Press Release – People’s Movement for Change Responds to CIAG’s Plan to Lobby for Western Cape Secession in the US

Cape Town, 18 March 2025 – The People’s Movement for Change strongly condemns the recent notification by the Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG) to the South African government of their intention to lobby American officials and politically connected individuals for support for Western Cape secession. 

We find this move to be irrational and deeply irresponsible, as it undermines the unity and shared identity that South Africa has sought to establish following decades of segregation and division. 

This unilateral pursuit of separation not only threatens to revive isolationist tendencies rooted in our painful history but also disregards the democratic and inclusive vision of our constitution. 

South Africa is one nation, indivisible by race, color, or creed. 

The actions of the CIAG, which advocate for the fragmentation of our country, contradict the core principles of unity, reconciliation, and shared progress that so many have fought and sacrificed for. 

It is particularly concerning that such an initiative creates a dangerous sense of exclusion, disenfranchising the very people it purports to represent. 

While CIAG argues that their campaign is lawful, democratic, and peaceful, it is essential to recognize the broader implications of this divisive rhetoric. Pursuing foreign intervention to advance a secessionist agenda undermines South Africa’s sovereignty and stability, setting a precarious and precedent-setting course for other regions in the country. 

The People’s Movement for Change urges the South African government to robustly defend the principles of national unity and territorial integrity, we call on The President and the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, to fight this ridiculous white supremacy. 

At the very core, our democracy represents a commitment to inclusivity and solidarity, not the creation of isolated regions catering to narrow interests.

People’s Movement for Change Against Western Cape Succession 

We also call on the people of the Western Cape, and South Africa at large, to recognize that our collective strength lies in our diversity and shared vision of progress. Any attempt to divide us is a step backward into darkness and disunity. 

As the People’s Movement for Change, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting hope, equality, and unity for all South Africans. Let us remember, as we stand together, that our shared identity is what truly sets us apart as a nation. 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Grant Harmse 

Head of Communications 

People’s Movement for Change 

0659784075 

#UnitedWeStand #SouthAfricaForAll

According to reports, unknown gang members entered the shop, fatally shot the young  man, and threatened the cashier, who narrowly escaped harm by hiding under the  counter.  

This devastating incident comes mere hours after another shooting in 12th Avenue,  Leonsdale, where community members insinuated law enforcement failed to intervene  despite being notified of the situation. Community frustrations boiled over, resulting in  stone-throwing and road blockades before law enforcement intervened to restore calm.  

After frantic calls to Marius Fransman and Alderman JP Smith, she secured the  assistance of Law Enforcement in Elsies River.  

The People’s Movement for Change expresses heartfelt gratitude to Alderman JP Smith  for his swift response and commitment to tending to the cries of the Elsies River  communities.  

People’s Movement for Change President, Marius Fransman, has expressed grave  concern over the continued failure to address the socio-economic crises that feed this  cycle of violence. 

Fransman has called on all stakeholders – including law enforcement agencies, local  and provincial governments, political parties, businesses, and community members – to put aside party politics and adopt a unified, community-driven approach to tackle  these challenges head-on.  

“Our communities are living under siege,” Fransman stated. “We cannot afford the  luxury of partisanship when lives are being lost daily a community-participatory 

approach is essential to finding sustainable solutions to the epidemic of violence,  poverty, and crime plaguing our people.”  

To address these dire issues, President Marius Fransman has initiated strategic  engagements with national, provincial and local authorities in particular, the National  Minister of Police, Mr. Senzo Mchunu. President Fransman emphasized that urgency  and collaboration are key, echoing the importance of a community-centred approach  while reiterating that this is no time for political grandstanding.  

Claudine Coledrige expressed her exhaustion in fighting such a significant battle with  the little resources available from the Elsies River South African Police Service (SAPS).  

“The People’s for Movement Change stands in solidarity with the Elsies River  community and all communities impacted by gang violence. We urge all sectors of  society to unite, bring hope to the people, and forge sustainable solutions to bring  peace and prosperity to our neighbourhoods impacted by gang violence. We urge all  sectors of society to unite, bring hope to the people, and forge sustainable solutions to  bring peace and prosperity to our neighbourhoods.” 

Contact: 

People’s Movement for Change 

Grant Harmse 

Head of Communications 

Cape Town 

0659784075