Responding to the backlash, the group said the tweet was intended to be a visual representation of ideological differences.
“The Western Cape government, which was elected by a clear majority of Western Cape voters, is broadly aligned with western countries and advances western ideologies. The SA government is broadly aligned with the old communist bloc countries and has a strained relationship with the West,” the group said in a statement.
It said many people misinterpreted its true intentions and misunderstood the message.
“We accept full responsibility for this misunderstanding and apologise profusely for any offence which this misunderstanding may have created,” said the group.
“As an organisation we have taken the decision not to delete the tweet. It is in the public domain and removing it will simply leave those with ulterior motives a further opportunity to misrepresent our true intentions.
“Instead, we wish to clarify the intended message of the tweet so we can be judged according to our true intentions and not those that others have wrongly assigned to us.
“While the Western Cape remains a part of the Republic of SA, the Western Cape people will perpetually be denied their democratic will, and this is the essence of Cape Independence.
“Let SA be governed according to the democratic will of the people who live there, and extend the same democratic right to the people of the Western Cape,” it said.
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
Cape Independence Advocacy Group apologises for ‘racist’ tweet
Image: Twitter/The Cape Independence Advocacy Group
The Cape Independence Advocacy Group has apologised for a tweet that sparked a backlash and was labelled by some as racist.
Over the weekend the group shared a tweet that attempted to outline the difference between the Western Cape and the rest of SA.
The “we’re just different” tweet highlighted how the province was not like the rest of the country.
The post drew a backlash from many, including One SA movement leader Mmusi Maimane.
Responding to the backlash, the group said the tweet was intended to be a visual representation of ideological differences.
“The Western Cape government, which was elected by a clear majority of Western Cape voters, is broadly aligned with western countries and advances western ideologies. The SA government is broadly aligned with the old communist bloc countries and has a strained relationship with the West,” the group said in a statement.
It said many people misinterpreted its true intentions and misunderstood the message.
“We accept full responsibility for this misunderstanding and apologise profusely for any offence which this misunderstanding may have created,” said the group.
“As an organisation we have taken the decision not to delete the tweet. It is in the public domain and removing it will simply leave those with ulterior motives a further opportunity to misrepresent our true intentions.
“Instead, we wish to clarify the intended message of the tweet so we can be judged according to our true intentions and not those that others have wrongly assigned to us.
“While the Western Cape remains a part of the Republic of SA, the Western Cape people will perpetually be denied their democratic will, and this is the essence of Cape Independence.
“Let SA be governed according to the democratic will of the people who live there, and extend the same democratic right to the people of the Western Cape,” it said.
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
READ MORE:
‘Nip it in the bud’ — Tito Mboweni weighs in on Cape breakaway bid
John Steenhuisen: ‘Fighting for Cape independence is a waste of energy’
'Free the Cape!': Independence march hits Stellenbosch despite sweltering temperature
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos