After Western Cape, Orania reaches out to US in quest for independence from South Africa

Orania, a white town in the heart of South Africa, has reached out to Trump for help in its independence quest from South Africa.

Orania, an 8000-hectare settlement with 3000 inhabitants, was allowed by South African authorities to levy local taxes. The territory’s community leaders now seek international recognition as an autonomous entity.

In a call on Washington, they hope to surf on the wave of support from the Trump administration for the Afrikaner community in South Africa, amid what has been described as anti-white policies by the South African government.

Last month, a Western Cape independence advocacy group CIAG said it was seeking the help of the US to help them breakaway from South Africa.

CIAG’s independence demands are driven by failures of the national government to address the needs of the Western Cape. They argue that the Western Cape should be governed by the party its residents voted for.

South Africa has been using self-determination as a slogan advocating separatism globally. It should start by applying the principle at home.