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.

• Among other interventions, Government has further pledged to:
  Increase the South African Police Service personnel from 183 180 to 204 860 over the next three years.
•  Increase the number of detectives by more than 19 percent, with 12 928 staff already undergoing detective related training this year.
• Increase the capacity of forensic science laboratories with additional funding of R150 million for 2008/9 period and a further R50 million per year to 2011/12 financial year. This is done due to the importance of scientific evidence, which has become essential in the investigation of cases.

Crime fighting is at the core of the ANC's commitment to create a stable and safe environment for all South Africans regardless of colour or creed. Dealing with crime along racial lines can only serve to divide the nation.

Statement issued by African National Congress spokesperson, Brian Sokutu, September 1 2009

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter