The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has joined the ANC in criticizing the Democratic Alliance (DA) for its proposed Western Cape Powers Bill, which advocates for an independent Western Cape Province.

The DA introduced the bill to address what it perceives as the poor provision of basic services at the national level, enabling the province to assert its constitutional and legislative powers. According to their official statement on the matter,

“The Bill creates a framework for the province to fully assert its existing constitutional and legislative powers and to get more powers delegated from national government. It not only enables but instructs the provincial government to step in as far as constitutionally possible where national government is failing to perform a function,”

ATM leader Vuyo Zungula denounced the bill as a dangerous attempt to divide South Africa along racial lines, accusing the DA and like-minded parties of seeking an independent Western Cape to the detriment of the native population.

The ATM views the proposal as reminiscent of South Africa's painful history during the arrival of settlers in the Western Cape and stands against any form of invasion or segregation that threatens the unity of the democratic state.

The ATM has no seats in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, but Zungula's opinion joins similar comments made earlier this week by the ANC.

Cameron Dugmore, ANC Leader of the opposition in the provincial legislature, has written to the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thembisile Nkadimeng, expressing concerns that the bill, if passed, would have serious implications at both the provincial and national levels. Dugmore highlighted that three legal opinions from legal advisers within the legislature declared the bill unconstitutional, and he urged an urgent investigation into the process and content of the bill.

The ANC warns against the bill's potential secessionary impact, constituting a constitutional crisis. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also denounce the bill, urging public rejection through written and oral submissions at scheduled hearings.

The Referendum Party (RP), which supports the bill, argues that Cape Independence is essential for Western Cape residents, the majority of whom have never voted ANC, to take control of their destiny. Phil Craig, who leads the RP, supported several devolution measures as part of a compromise strategy with the DA before founding the RP, including the Western Cape Devolution Working Group.

However, since the DA became increasingly reluctant to engage in any meaningful devolution of powers, and after they reneged on their promise to hold a referendum on Cape independence, the RP was formed to challenge them at the ballot box.

According to Phil Craig, the DA has not only been a reluctant partner, they have also sabotaged concrete methods to achieve what they claim to want.

Craig drafted a bill tabled by the Vryheidsfont Plus, the Western Cape People's Bill, which they argue would be necessary for the devolution effort to have any teeth. The Peoples Bill leverages constitutional provisions and international treaties signed by the ANC in government to claim the right to complete regional autonomy.

The DA have chosen to fight the People's Bill, opting for a position where they will have to beg for powers from the national government.

The ATM expressed grave concern about the DA's involvement in promoting the bill, calling for restrictions on individuals like Phil Craig, associated with the proposal, as they are considered foreigners engaging in political activities in South Africa.

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