Key Takeaways:
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed the idea of secession of the Western Cape and the creation of a Volkstaat for Afrikaners.
- Ramaphosa stated that he has no intention of considering a proposal or holding a referendum on the secession of any part of the country.
- The President emphasized the importance of defending the Constitution and promoting the unity of the nation.
- There is no record kept of members of Cabinet who hold dual citizenship, as this issue does not play a role in the appointment of members of Cabinet.
- The Constitution does not require members of the Cabinet to be vetted before being appointed by the President.
Introduction to the Issue of Secession
The idea of secession has been a topic of discussion in South Africa, with some parties advocating for the independence of certain regions. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa has made it clear that he will not consider any proposals for secession. In a written parliamentary answer, Ramaphosa stated that the Constitution obliges him to defend the supreme law of the country and promote the unity of the nation. He emphasized that the founding provisions of the Constitution state that the Republic of South Africa is one, sovereign, democratic state. This statement is a clear indication that the President is committed to upholding the Constitution and maintaining the unity of the country.
The Constitution and Secession
The Constitution is clear on the issue of secession, and Ramaphosa’s statement is in line with the constitutional provisions. The President has a constitutional responsibility to uphold, defend, and respect the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic and to promote the unity of the nation. This means that any proposal for secession would be in conflict with the Constitution and would not be considered by the President. The idea of secession is often seen as a threat to the unity of the country, and Ramaphosa’s statement is a reassurance that the government is committed to maintaining the integrity of the state.
The Cape Independence Party (CAPEXIT)
The Cape Independence Party (CAPEXIT) has been advocating for the "economic and political independence of the Cape." However, Ramaphosa’s statement is a blow to the party’s ambitions. CAPEXIT has been promoting the idea of a separate state in the Western Cape, but the President’s statement makes it clear that this is not a viable option. The party’s claims that the Western Cape should be independent have been dismissed by Ramaphosa, and it is unlikely that the idea of secession will gain traction in the near future.
Dual Citizenship and Cabinet Members
In addition to the issue of secession, Ramaphosa was also asked about members of the Cabinet holding dual citizenship. The President stated that there is no record kept of members of Cabinet who hold dual citizenship, as this issue does not play a role in the appointment of members of Cabinet. According to the Constitution, every citizen of the Republic of South Africa who is qualified to vote for the National Assembly and who is not disqualified by the Constitution can be a member of the National Assembly and by extension can be appointed as a minister. This means that dual citizenship is not a barrier to being appointed as a minister, and the President does not require members of the Cabinet to be vetted before being appointed.
The Appointment of Ministers
The Constitution provides for the President to appoint ministers from the members of the National Assembly and not more than two persons outside from the National Assembly. Ramaphosa stated that the Constitution does not require members of the Cabinet to be vetted and cleared by the State Security Agency before they are appointed by the President. This means that the President has the discretion to appoint ministers without requiring them to undergo a vetting process. All ministers who are currently serving in the Cabinet qualified to be ministers according to the Constitution, and the President is confident that they are capable of performing their duties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Ramaphosa’s statement on secession and dual citizenship is a clear indication of the government’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and maintaining the unity of the country. The idea of secession is not viable, and the President will not consider any proposals for secession. The Constitution is clear on the issue of dual citizenship, and the President does not require members of the Cabinet to be vetted before being appointed. The government is committed to defending the Constitution and promoting the unity of the nation, and Ramaphosa’s statement is a reassurance that the country will remain united and stable.
