Political tensions have flared around Phil Craig, the British leader of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG), following revelations that he has applied for South African citizenship.
ActionSA wants clarity on Phil Craig’s citizenship
In a formal letter addressed to Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber, ActionSA has called for the rejection of Craig’s application.
In the letter, ActionSA Chief Whip Lerato Ngobeni stated that Craig does not meet the criteria set out in the South African Citizenship Act, specifically sections that require an applicant to be of “good character” and to “intend to reside in the Republic.”
According to the party, Craig’s campaign for the secession of the Western Cape undermines national unity and violates the principles of the Act.
“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,” the letter reads.
Ngobeni warned that if Craig’s application is approved, ActionSA will consider its legal options.
Craig, who has lived in South Africa for over 20 years, has been a vocal proponent of Cape Independence—a movement that calls for the Western Cape to become an independent state, separate from South Africa.
Calls mount for Cape Independence leader to be deported
Craig’s political activity has sparked sharp public backlash, culminating in a petition titled Keep South Africa Safe, which has so far gathered close to 50,000 signatures.
The petition accuses Craig of importing “divisive ideologies” and threatening the unity of post-apartheid South Africa.
“As a proud black South African, I am deeply disturbed by the actions of Phil Craig, a UK national who is causing division in our country,” the petition states.
“His deportation back to England will send a clear message that divisive ideologies are not welcome here.”
Craig’s citizenship bid has also drawn criticism from ATM leader Vuyo Zungula, who previously wrote to the Home Affairs minister in September 2024, arguing that granting citizenship to Craig would pose a threat to national cohesion and worsen inequality in the Western Cape.
On social media, calls for Craig’s deportation have intensified.
Users have described him as “a textbook definition of persona non grata,” accusing him of exploiting white privilege to challenge South Africa’s territorial integrity.
As debate continues, the Department of Home Affairs has yet to issue an official response regarding Craig’s citizenship status or whether any steps will be taken to act on the growing calls for his deportation.
