ActionSA, a key participant in the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa (MPC), has rebuffed the Referendum Party's attempt to join the coalition, citing fundamental disagreements over the party's support for Cape Independence.

At a recent MPC meeting, ActionSA was informed of the Referendum Party's application, which was promptly rejected.

ActionSA stated that it would rather leave the MPC than be associated with the Cape Independence movement. The rejection was supported by other MPC members, leading to the Referendum Party's application being denied due to the Charter's consensus-based operation.

The decision was based on several factors, according to ActionSA:

1. The MPC, centered on upholding South Africa's unity as a sovereign state, rejects any challenge to the country's constitutional foundations. The idea of Cape independence is seen as contrary to the Constitution and the principles of national unity.
2. Cape Independence is viewed by ActionSA as a divisive concept that undermines South Africa's historical and social cohesion. The notion of Western Cape exceptionalism is considered offensive and contrary to the nation's development as a united entity.
3. ActionSA believes that the focus should be on unifying South Africa rather than dividing it. The party sees Cape Independence as motivated by anti-ANC sentiment rather than a genuine desire to improve the country.
4. The Referendum Party's values were deemed incompatible with the MPC's commitment to the Constitution and national unity. ActionSA emphasized that the Charter aims to unite parties behind a common goal of removing the ANC from power, not to promote separatist agendas.

Despite acknowledging the failures of ANC governance, ActionSA maintains that secession is not the solution. Instead, the party advocates for a united effort to remove the ruling party through democratic means.

ActionSA reaffirms its commitment to the MPC's goal of unseating the ANC in the 2024 elections. The Charter's principles include decentralizing government functions, a goal that ActionSA believes can be achieved through a multi-party coalition representing diverse viewpoints.

Overall, ActionSA's stance reflects its belief in the power of unity to address South Africa's challenges, emphasizing the need for political cooperation rather than division.

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