The Cape Independence Party leader argues that the Western Cape’s biggest political challenge is no longer the ANC. Instead, he says, it is holding the Democratic Alliance accountable before it becomes too powerful to challenge. As South Africa edges closer to another crucial election, political engagement is once again rising after years of relative public apathy. For Jack Miller, leader of the Cape Independence Party (CIP), that presents an opportunity to challenge what he believes has become the Western Cape’s biggest political problem. Speaking to Truth Report, Miller argued that while many voters still see the Democratic Alliance (DA) as the province’s only safeguard against the ANC, that perception no longer matches political reality. “The most critical thing in this next election is for people not to vote DA. They will still be the biggest party, but they need to be held accountable.” For nearly two decades, the Cape Independence movement has campaigned for greater autonomy for the Western Cape, with the long-term goal of an independence referendum. Miller says the movement’s broader objective has always been decentralisation, stronger local governance and giving provincial residents greater control over policing, taxation and education. Is the ANC Still the Real Threat? One of Miller’s central arguments is that the ANC’s electoral support in the Western Cape has declined to the point where it is no longer the dominant threat often presented during election campaigns. Instead, he believes the DA has used that fear to maintain overwhelming control of the province. According to Miller, a healthier political environment would see the DA governing in coalition with smaller parties, forcing compromise rather than allowing one party to dominate provincial politics. “Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. A DA at 45% is a better DA than a DA at 55%.” He argues that coalition partners could push for greater provincial powers, including local control over policing, electricity generation and tax revenue, without necessarily requiring immediate independence. Claims of Growing Discontent During the interview, Miller also criticised recent decisions by the DA-led City of Cape Town, including allegations surrounding municipal governance and concerns about public participation in council meetings. He argued that online council meetings have reduced transparency and made it easier for dissenting voices to be muted during proceedings. “It’s really a dictatorship.” These claims reflect Miller’s political perspective and remain contested by the DA. The Case for Decentralisation Rather than focusing purely on Cape independence, Miller repeatedly returned to what he sees as the broader principle of decentralisation. He pointed to countries such as Switzerland, where significant powers are devolved to regional governments, arguing that local decision-making produces stronger accountability and better economic outcomes. His vision includes: Greater provincial control over policing. More locally accountable education systems. Increased retention of tax revenue within the province. Expanded vocational training and apprenticeship programmes. A stronger free market economy. Miller believes these reforms would better prepare young South Africans for employment while creating a more competitive regional economy. Why Cape Independence? While critics often dismiss Cape independence as politically unrealistic, Miller argues that a referendum itself would strengthen the Western Cape’s negotiating position with national government. He points to examples such as Scotland and Quebec, where independence movements resulted in greater devolution of powers despite remaining part of their respective countries. Politics, he argues, is ultimately about leverage. “A referendum is the ultimate mechanism to hold a government accountable.” Whether independence ultimately succeeds or not, Miller believes simply demonstrating public support could secure greater autonomy for the province. Can Smaller Parties Change the Balance? One of the strongest themes throughout the interview was Miller’s appeal for voters to support smaller parties rather than concentrating opposition votes behind the DA. He argues that under South Africa’s proportional representation system, even relatively small increases in support for parties such as the Cape Independence Party could reshape coalition politics in the Western Cape. The CIP received around 20,000 votes in the previous local government election and hopes to significantly improve on that result in the next vote. For Miller, success is measured less by immediate independence than by forcing political negotiation. “We’ve spent 19 years fighting for one thing, and that’s putting the Cape first.” Whether voters agree with his vision or not, the interview highlights an increasingly important debate ahead of the next election. Is the Western Cape best served by maintaining one dominant opposition party,