Former president Nelson Mandela’s nephew, Melisizwe Mandela, has backed the African Transformation Movement (ATM) for the revocation of Philip Craig's citizenship.
Craig stood for elections during the national and provincial elections in May.
ATM leader Vuyo Zungula is demanding the immediate revocation of Craig's citizenship.
”Craig, a British foreigner and leader of the Cape Independence Movement, was privileged to receive South African citizenship 20 years ago, yet he now seeks to divide us along racial and regional lines. His promotion of Cape Independence is not just an attack on our unity. It is a painful reminder of the apartheid era that sought to fracture our society along racial lines,” Melisizwe said.
According to Melisizwe, the country has come too far in its struggle for dignity and reconciliation to allow such divisive ideologies to take root.
”Diversity should be our strength, not a reason for cancellation. It is essential for social cohesion. As we reflect on our past, we must remember the haunting history of Fort Calata and the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedom,” Melisizwe said.
He said the brutal murders of Calata and his comrades was a reminder of the darkness emerged from.
Calata was brutally murdered by apartheid police along with fellow anti-apartheid activists Matthew Goniwe, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkhonto in June 1985.
Melisizwe said the Cradock Four’s courage in the face of tyranny should compel South Africans to stand together against anyone who sought to undermine the hard-won unity we cherish today.
”We must never forget the sacrifices made by those who endured unimaginable suffering so that we could stand together as one nation.
“The failure of the Codesa (Convention for a Democratic South Africa) negotiations to address the deep-seated inequalities and grievances that lingered after apartheid has left a vacuum, allowing individuals like Craig to emerge as self-proclaimed leaders of division,” he said.
Melisizwe continued: “It is an affront to the very principles we fought for, a betrayal of the promise of a united and democratic South Africa. We must confront this failure and ensure that history does not repeat itself.”
He said the social fabric of South Africa was woven from the diverse threads of its people, reflecting a unity that transcended race, ethnicity and region.
”Our collective history, marked by the horrors of apartheid, has instilled in us a deep yearning for togetherness and solidarity. We are stronger together, and it is this interconnectedness that has the power to heal the wounds of the past and forge a brighter future,” Melisizwe added.
He said the ideals of apartheid sought to segregate and alienate South Africans
“But today, we stand as one nation, committed to healing and building a future based on mutual respect and understanding.
“Craig’s push for Cape independence has garnered little support. Recent polling indicates that a majority of South Africans reject the idea of secession, highlighting his isolation in this misguided endeavour,” Melisizwe added.
Sunday Independent
loyiso.sidimba@inl.co.za