Ramaphosa dismisses referendum on Western Cape secession:
President Ramaphosa firmly rejects calls for Western Cape secession, citing constitutional obligations ...
iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-12-30-ramaphosa-dismisses-referendum-on-western-cape-secession/
Photo: iol.co.za · view article
Ramaphosa Rejects Western Cape Secession ReferendumThe president insists the constitution mandates unity and confirms no referendum will occur in 2026 on Western Cape independence.
Key FactsDec 30, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
- Ramaphosa emphasized that South Africa’s constitution defines the nation as a single sovereign democratic state, prohibiting secession.
- He affirmed his constitutional duty to uphold national unity and dismissed any plans for a secession referendum.
- Ministers are responsible for delegating duties to deputy ministers, with performance agreements serving as evaluation tools.
- No records are kept on cabinet members holding dual citizenship, as it is not a factor in their appointment.
The founding provisions of our Constitution state that the Republic of South Africa is one, sovereign, democratic state.— President Cyril Ramaphosa made this statement while responding to parliamentary questions about holding a referendum on the secession of the Western Cape.
Story Details
| Last Updated | |
| Total Articles | 1 |
Main Topics
Similar to This
Previous
The Globe and Mail Oct 07
OpinionThe weakness of its mandate will not deter the PQ from the chaos and division of its project
theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-the-weakness-of-its-mandate-will-not-deter-the-pq-from-the-chaos-and/
Minister Ntshavheni: Cape Independence movement's actions are constitutionally protected
iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-01-23-minister-ntshavheni-cape-independence-movements-actions-are-constitutionally-protected/
Cape Independence Group challenges Ramaphosa's referendum rejection: The Cape Independence Advocacy Group challenges President Ramaphosa's refusal to hold a ...
iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-01-02-cape-independence-group-challenges-ramaphosas-referendum-rejection/
Key FactsCape Independence Referendum Dispute Intensifies
Jan 2, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: iol.co.za
- President Ramaphosa refuses to hold a referendum on Western Cape secession, citing constitutional obligations.
- CIAG argues that the Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has the authority to call such a referendum under the constitution.
- Since Premier Winde has not acted, CIAG is organizing its own referendum modeled on Italy’s Veneto region.
- Funding challenges are delaying the private vote, and CIAG is inviting potential donors to assist.
South Africa, like every other state, is bound by international law. There is no opt-out clause.— Craig made the statement after Ramaphosa's rejection of a referendum on Cape Independence.
Phil Craig defends his stance on Western Cape secession amid calls for his deportation
iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-12-22-phil-craig-defends-his-stance-on-western-cape-secession-amid-calls-for-his-deportation/
Mathale exposes year-long inactivity; analysts condemn R2.2m Deputy Minister salaries
iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-10-31-mathale-exposes-year-long-inactivity-analysts-condemn-r22m-deputy-minister-salaries/
Cabinet of cronies: Ramaphosa slammed for defending 42 deputies draining taxpayers of R93.2m a year
iol.co.za/news/politics/2025-09-11-cabinet-of-cronies-ramaphosa-slammed-for-defending-42-deputies-draining-taxpayers-of-r93-2m-a-year/
New era for higher education as Buti Manamela takes charge after Nkabane’s controversial exit
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-23-new-era-for-higher-education-as-buti-manamela-takes-charge-after-nkabanes-controversial-exit/
Key FactsSouth Africa's Higher Education Ministry Reshuffled
Jul 21, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: timeslive.co.za
- President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Buti Manamela as minister of higher education and training.
- Manamela succeeded Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, who issued a statement thanking sectors for their support.
- Dr. Nomusa Dube-Ncube was named deputy minister of higher education and training.
- Nkabane was removed following allegations of misleading parliament about the appointment of Seta boards.
It has been a privilege to lead this important portfolio and I am grateful to the sector and the people of South Africa for their support and for allowing me to serve in this capacity.— Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, after her removal as Minister of Higher Education and Training.
EWN Jul 14 25
SINAWO THAMBO | Ramaphosa’s manipulation of the Constitution for Senzo Mchunu empowers criminal syndicates
ewn.co.za/2025/07/14/sinawo-thambo-ramaphosa-s-manipulation-of-the-constitution-for-senzo-mchunu-empowers-criminal-syndicates
DA withdraws from National Dialogue, will vote against budgets of ‘corruption accused’ ANC ministers
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-06-28-da-withdraws-from-national-dialogue-will-vote-against-budgets-of-corruption-accused-anc-ministers/
Key FactsDA Opposes Corrupt ANC Ministers’ Budgets
Jun 28, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: dailymaverick.co.za
- The DA remains in the Government of National Unity but will not participate in the National Dialogue after Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield’s dismissal.
- The party campaigns against the R740-million National Dialogue initiative, questioning its legitimacy and cost.
- The DA intends to vote against budget allocations for ministers Simelane and Nkabane, who face corruption allegations.
- While expressing loss of confidence in President Ramaphosa’s leadership, the DA prioritizes government stability and delays a no-confidence motion.
Effective immediately, the DA will therefore have no further part in this process.— DA leader John Steenhuisen at a press conference in Cape Town.
eNCA Jun 26 25
Ramaphosa doesn't have to explain Whitfield sacking - Presidency
enca.com/top-stories/ramaphosa-doesnt-have-explain-whitfield-sacking-presidency
Big Budget Bust-Up — here’s why DA might be overplaying its hand: The DA is banking on market reactions to ensure the ANC doesn’t turn to opposition parties to ...
dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-04-01-big-budget-bust-up-why-da-might-be-overplaying-its-hand/
Why Cyril Ramaphosa's call for unity will fall on deaf ears at the ANC's January 8 celebrations
iol.co.za/news/politics/opinion/why-cyril-ramaphosas-call-for-unity-will-fall-on-deaf-ears-at-the-ancs-january-8-celebrations-33db535e-48d7-4ef1-8018-1829ad4c9a59
Bela bill: South Africa's President Ramaphosa moves to avert coalition row: President Ramaphosa agrees to delay some education reforms that had threatened ...
bbc.com/news/articles/cd9d979k211o
Key FactsRamaphosa Discusses Coalition Stability at Dinner
Sep 12, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: mg.co.za
- President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted a dinner to evaluate the coalition government and discuss a dispute resolution mechanism.
- The gathering coincided with tensions over the impending signing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, which could jeopardize the coalition's future.
- DA leader John Steenhuisen warned of the constitutional implications of the bill and stressed that the ANC must not act unilaterally.
- The president emphasized the need for a stable coalition and stated that threats against the government are unhelpful.
‘You will never go to bed hungry’, Malema tells impeached judge Hlophe: EFF leader Julius Malema has assured impeached Western Cape judge president John Hlophe ...
timeslive.co.za/politics/2024-02-22-you-will-never-go-to-bed-hungry-malema-tells-impeached-judge-hlophe/
Key FactsJohn Hlophe: Judge's Removal Shakes South Africa's Judiciary
Feb 22, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
- South Africa's parliament has taken a significant step by impeaching a prominent judge for misconduct.
- Following an investigation, it was revealed that John Hlophe, the top judge in Western Cape province, attempted to sway justices at the country's highest court in a case involving former President Jacob Zuma.
- While maintaining his innocence, Mr Hlophe consistently refuted the allegations.
- The decision now awaits approval from President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will then schedule a date for their formal removal.
‘Well deserved’: Thuli Madonsela congratulates Kholeka Gcaleka on becoming public protector
timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-11-02-well-deserved-thuli-madonsela-congratulates-kholeka-gcaleka-on-becoming-public-protector/
‘Majority vote to remove me should’ve been for land expropriation’: Mkhwebane reacts to her removal from office
timeslive.co.za/politics/2023-09-12-majority-vote-to-remove-me-shouldve-been-for-land-expropriation-mkhwebane-reacts-to-her-removal-from-office/
The country is worse off under your leadership, ATM’s Vuyo Zungula fires at Ramaphosa
iol.co.za/news/politics/the-country-is-worse-off-under-your-leadership-atms-vuyo-zungula-fires-at-ramaphosa-118464fe-b3b6-451e-bc55-0cf42b3b42fa
LISTEN | ANC members to march for 'Ramaphosa’s removal' and over economic crisis
timeslive.co.za/politics/2022-07-15-listen-anc-members-to-march-for-ramaphosas-removal-and-over-economic-crisis/
Next