The Western Cape independence movement: motivations, justifications and critique

Feather, D ORCID: 0000-0001-5014-3091, Anderson, P ORCID: 0000-0002-8156-5542 and Phillips, TJ ORCID: 0000-0001-5165-4045 (2026) The Western Cape independence movement: motivations, justifications and critique. The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs and Policy Study. ISSN 0035-8533

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Abstract

In recent years, the Western Cape (WC) independence movement has garnered significant interest, both nationally and globally. This article focuses on the main proponents of independence and their motivations, arguments and tactics, highlighting the prominence of political and economic grievances as the driving forces of WC secessionism. It is also argued that the growth of far-right populism and conspiracy theories globally has provided the movement with a platform to advance its secessionist cause. Nonetheless, this article will emphasise that the route to an independent WC state is highly uncertain, lacking a firm basis in both national and international legal frameworks.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races K Law > KL Asia and Eurasia, Africa, Pacific Area, and Antarctica
Divisions:	Humanities and Social Science Law and Justice Studies
Publisher:	Taylor and Francis
Date of acceptance:	19 February 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	10 March 2026
Date Deposited:	10 Mar 2026 15:35
Last Modified:	10 Mar 2026 15:35
DOI or ID number:	10.1080/00358533.2026.2635604
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28223

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