The formation of a political party not only serves as a formal registration, but also grants official legitimacy to a group of people who share a common vision and political goals. In South Africa, this means that the party can participate in democratic processes, such as municipal and national elections, and officially influence decisions. Without a registered party, it is difficult to legally formalize policy recommendations, legislative proposals or political action. Example: In South Africa, the Democratic Alliance (DA) began as a small movement that brought together several smaller parties. They expanded their influence through legal registration, participation in elections and official communication with the national government and international institutions.

There is no limit to the size of a Canton.

It can be as small as a single village ward or as large as an entire municipal area,
as long as the voters support it. The size depends on democratic consensus,
population density, and infrastructure.

Example: The Vatican City in Italy and Monaco show that the size of a political entity
does not necessarily limit its viability. In South Africa, a Canton can encompass a single constituency
or combine several constituencies, such as a group of towns in the Northern Cape with a
shared cultural identity.

Cantons should be established where the majority of voters desire them, based on the principle of self-determination. The location of a Canton is therefore not limited to large urban areas, but can also be in rural towns or rural communities. The key factor is community willingness and democratic support.

Example: A Canton could be established in a region such as the Free State, where a majority of
(Exclude Afrikaners) voters support a self-determination initiative, even if it is a small town
with fewer inhabitants. Other possible areas also include parts of KwaZulu-Natal or
the Northern Cape where local communities have specific cultural or historical reasons for
self-government.

Yes, if the voters of the relevant divisions so decide. This decision must be made fully democratically and by the community, without interference from central government institutions.

Example: Two rural towns in the Free State can form a Canton together if the residents of both towns decide that they want to be under one governance structure to coordinate resources, culture and governance more effectively.

Section 235 of the South African Constitution provides for the self-determination of communities that share a common language, culture or history. The current government is therefore legally obliged to recognise this right, although political realities can sometimes delay its implementation. It is important to know that the current South African government is proposing a TWO-STATE solution for Israel and Palestine at the UNITED NATIONS. Example: The Afrikaner Accord and other historical political agreements emphasise that self-determination is a legal and constitutional right. This right is not merely a theoretical concept, but a basis for practice if a majority of the community democratically supports it.

There are several reasons, including political resistance, administrative challenges, and lack of organized cooperation. However, the most important focus is the future and the immediate opportunity to achieve self-determination through the voting process. Example: The history of South Africa shows that major changes, such as the abolition of apartheid and the introduction of new constitutional rights in 1994, were only possible when people organized and participated in the voting process. Similarly, self-determination can only be realized through the democratic process.There are several reasons, including political resistance, administrative challenges, and lack of organized cooperation. However, the most important focus is the future and the immediate opportunity to achieve self-determination through the voting process. Example: The history of South Africa shows that major changes, such as the abolition of apartheid and the introduction of new constitutional rights in 1994, were only possible when people organized and participated in the voting process. Similarly, self-determination can only be realized through the democratic process.

Yes, multiple candidates can be elected, as long as they are supported by the community.
The ultimate decision lies with the voters of those wards. This ensures that the governance of a
Canton reflects the true preferences of the community.

Example: In a town like Prieska in the Northern Cape, multiple local leaders from
different communities can compete together for a position on the Canton's governance, so that
various perspectives are represented.

Any person who meets the legal requirements can legally register as an independent candidate, but forming a political party offers great advantages. Candidates do not each have to pay the high registration fees and can be part of a common political structure with a shared vision. Example: In South Africa, smaller communities often do not have the necessary resources to support independent candidates nationwide. As a party, it becomes easier to mobilize voters, distribute election material, and centrally market and manage the administrative process.

While these actions are important to create awareness and exert political pressure, they do not confer any formal democratic power. The establishment of a Canton and its recognition only come through the official voting process — the BALLOT.

Example: The history of South Africa shows that even the strongest public and civil movements, such as the South African Human Rights Commission, AfriForum and the former Anti-Apartheid movements, could only bring about meaningful change when they combined their efforts with democratic participation and elections.

When two or more communities decide to form a Canton, they share administrative and political responsibilities. This makes it easier to coordinate resources, infrastructure and cultural aspects. The most important thing is that the decision is made thoroughly democratically, and that 67% of those involved accept the structure. Example: In the Northern Cape, two villages, each with a majority of Afrikaner residents, can work together to manage resources such as schools, libraries, roads and local government under one Canton.

Voters' rights are protected through a transparent and democratic process:
 At least 67% of voters must support the formation of a Canton.

 Public council meetings and consultations are held.

 Voters are given sufficient time and information to make informed decisions.

Example: In a community such as Middelburg, Mpumalanga, residents can attend public forums to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a Canton, and then make their final decision in the voting process.

The ballot box is the only legal and democratic way to achieve self-determination.
All other actions, such as lawsuits, marches or petitions, can merely attract attention, but do not confer any power or legal legitimacy.
Example: The success of local council elections, where a majority of voters support a specific policy or governance structure, demonstrates the power of the ballot box.
Without this instrument, a Canton can never officially exist.

Outright victory is unlikely in the short term, for two reasons:
1. The existing political system is deeply entrenched, with major parties that have been building structures, campaigns and electoral machines for years.
2. A new movement like Self-DeterminationSA does not yet have the scale of infrastructure, financing and national presence of the old parties.

But — and this is important — this does not mean at all that we are powerless.Outright victory is unlikely in the short term, for two reasons:
1. The existing political system is deeply entrenched, with major parties that have been building structures, campaigns and electoral machines for years.
2. A new movement like Self-DeterminationSA does not yet have the scale of infrastructure, financing and national presence of the old parties.

But — and this is important — this does not mean at all that we are powerless.

Not at all. The greatest opportunity lies not necessarily in winning the election itself, but in becoming strategic “King Makers.”

When communities nominate independent candidates — candidates who are accountable to the community and not to a party headquarters — the movement can:
• win smaller but targeted seats,
• balance coalitions,
• build bargaining power,
• and ultimately determine the direction of municipal decisions.

This is where true political leverage lies.

Because: they are appointed directly by the community, not by a party.
• They are not trapped by party discipline or national ideologies.
• They can work effectively and locally focused.
• Communities trust independents more than traditional politicians.
• They take a negotiating position in each coalition.

This model is already used worldwide to keep major parties in balance.

Our power lies in determining:
• Who governs the council, and
• Under what conditions.

An independent representative can say:

“I support the coalition that offers the best benefits for my community.”

This means your representative becomes a decision-maker, not a follower.

Communities therefore gain real influence over:
• Budgets
• Service delivery
• Safety priorities
• Rates
• Project allocations
• Local development
• Jobs and tender processes (by enforcing transparency)

This leverage is more valuable than trying to outdo a major party.

If done right:
• The movement builds a presence seat by seat,
• It enforces better government,
• Gets communities a direct voice in council matters,
• The movement becomes indispensable in every coalition,
• And Self-determination begins to be exercised practically:
• Local control,
• Local priorities,
• Local representation.

Self-determination starts at the grassroots level — and independents are the key.