ANC STATEMENT ON THE GRANTING BY CANADA OF A REFUGEE STATUS TO A WHITE SOUTH AFRICAN
The African National Congress (ANC) views the granting by Canada of a refugee status to South African citizen Brandon Huntley on the grounds that Africans would "persecute" him, as racist.
South Africa is a constitutional democracy with organs of State fully in place to fight crime - one of the ANC's key priorities - without any reference to race of a victim or perpetrator. We find the claim by Huntley to have been attacked seven times by Africans due his skin colour - without any police intervention - sensational and alarming. Canada's reasoning for granting Huntley a refugee status can only serve to perpetuate racism.
There are no doubts about the Government's commitment to fight crime in the country. During his 2009 State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma made it clear that Government would - with the support of all organs of civil society - move with speed in addressing crime.
Said the President: "Together we must do more to fight crime. Our aim is to establish a transformed, integrated, properly resourced and well-managed criminal justice system. It is also critically important to improve the efficiency of the courts and the performance of prosecutors, and to enhance detective, forensic and intelligence services. This work has started in earnest, and it will be undertaken with new energy and vigour."
The President's appointment of Police Commissioner Bheki Cele and that of Head of Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), Anwar Dramat, soon after taking over the reigns as Head of State - demonstrates how serious Government is, in stamping out crime.