Seems the whole country and beyond is abuzz with the granting of refugee status to one Brandon Huntley, by Canadian immigration, on inter alia the grounds that he is the target for persecution by “African, South Africans”. Considering that this plays out as black South Africans picking on white South Africans for being white, it can only create a shit storm of epic proportions.
- The Ottawa Sun reported that Huntley had provided “clear and convincing proof of the South African government’s inability or unwillingness to protect him” to a Canadian immigration and refugee board.
His evidence showed “a picture of indifference and inability or unwillingness” of the South African government to protect “white South Africans from persecution by African South Africans” said tribunal panel chair William Davis.
“I find that the claimant would stand out like a ‘sore thumb’ due to his colour in any part of the country,” said Davis. (The Times)
What this boils down to is that Huntley alleges that he was a victim of crime in that he was attacked seven times by Africans (to use his description) and called some choice names by his attackers. Obviously those investigating these attacks will find out at which police station he reported them and what was done to follow up.
I have a feeling there won’t be too many dockets opened — prove me wrong.
Of course the fact that many thousands of South Africans of all races come under attack from criminals and as a matter of course are called names best not repeated here, seems to have been overlooked by the Canadian immigration and refugee board. So too the fact that the Constitution of the country makes it illegal to practise racism of the kind described by Mr Huntley.
No doubt there are many South Africans who are outraged at the failure of the government to deal with crime as well as black on white racism, sometimes originating from ministers themselves. There is merit in their argument but this must not distract from one vital point — it is not the law of the country. The failure occurs because too often those charged with overseeing or enforcing the law, outright refuse or neglect to do so.
As opposed to apartheid where discrimination was legislated.
Moreover the Canadian board failed to examine South Africa properly or they would have been made aware that the most affluent community in the country remains the whites. As such they are a target for crime as is the case of any affluent community the world over.
Of course numbering about 5 million plus it is hard to imagine how they perceived Huntley standing out as a “sore thumb”.
Two points need to be highlighted :
Firstly Huntley seemed to be keen on gaining residence in Canada as his trips to and fro make clear. It is not inconceivable that in his zest to acquire Canadian citizenship he over-elaborated — being kind — his experiences in order to impress the board. I’m sure it never crossed his mind that this could create a diplomatic incident. Like many of my clients it probably started out as “who’ll ever know?”
Secondly it must be a requirement of that Canadian board that only those with a full frontal lobotomy are entitled to apply for positions. If they wished to assist Huntley then they should have brought it under one of the standard grounds of entry or sent him back. As things stand now they are suggesting that a white South African (from the 5 million) stands out like a sore thumb, is the only target for crime — when crime is prevalent among all races, and all countries — and is victimised by the country (for that is what the decision represents) when its laws demand the exact opposite.
While there is room for vast improvement in South Africa, don’t confuse that with the moronic ruling of a bunch of lazy do-gooders who obviously did little or no research before arriving at their decision. By supporting them as proof of the problems in this country you in fact trivialise real concerns because their decision is patently ridiculous and based upon misconception and a failure to do even the minimum research.
Keep the focus on crime and racism right where it is because there is no shortage of actual examples highlighting the plight of many South Africans.
This is a get-out-of-jail card for the real perpetrators.
WOW! Who would have thought that 15 years after our much celebrated democracy that the true colours of our previous opressors will finally come out. But hey, none of this is new to me as a “Black person or as an African”. My forefathers, my great grandfathers, my grandfathers, my father and myself included have gone through this. Its amazing that as a Black African I have given up so much of what is rightly mine for someone I considered a fellow country men. I hear the talks, I see the articles and the blogs; SA this and SA that, Black South Africans this and that, ANC this and that. Nevermind the fact that Black South Africans were brutally murdered, enslaved, tortured, dehumanised and stripped of their land, their heritage and so many other things for over 300 years but oh no, that is all in the past.
Bottom line is SA is not perfect; and no country is. The Queens England is not perfect and so is Barack’s America. If you feel that unhappy about my beautiful country then maybe you should follow Brandon and book a room at the Holiday Inn Canada or Australia.
People!!!Even if we don`t like other people let us please respect their forebears by adding some prefix to their surnames taking into account whose surnames those are.I`m really revulsed by the disrespect that people are showing to Mr Trapido but commend his tolerance.
Mbeki didn`t like the DA Parliamentarians but he referred to them in respectable terms in Parliament and that was the geatest lesson I learned from him.
Michael,your articles are educative,informative,insightful and balanced.Its only those who doesn`t want to hear the truth who are offended b them and that`s unfortunate…
Vernon,you seemed to still be at the Caprivi psychologically,emotionally and spiritually and its time to visit De Klerk`s Foundation for some lecturing of ou current political landscape.
This questionable refugee did not leav South Africa for Canada for political reasons but for greener pastures through twisting some Canadian Woman`s arm to naturalise him an only when things didn`t go his way did he lie that he was persecuted but couldn`t produce any evidence as to who was persecuting him but circumstantial,nefarious and frivolous evidence.
He claimed the black government and black South Africans are persecuting him but there should be documentation in that egard.Do not compare blacks and whites because there was documentation proving that the previous government and whites were persecuting blacks and that`s why the world threw its lot behind them.
I agree with the author when he says that the perception that there is “Black” on “White” crime in RSA. Black people are also victims of crime, I get people breaking into my house from time to time, some point guns at me when I am going about doing my shit. I can go everywhere I want to in my modest car.
Although I am not a criminal let alone a racist one, I know that even if white people wre green, they would still be targeted. It is not their race, it is their social class and racial history that is the cause.
Black on white relations have historically been very negative, given that b;ack people count for over 70% of the population and over 90% of the people people in RSA, it is obvious that nine out of ten criminals will be black. Victims are also black in the majority, it is just that white people complain a lot. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with that.
I I was white people I would ask myself “why”. Why are black people targeting me?. What do I need to change to correcthe situation. I know that this approach requires a much bigger man with a lot of petience.
But guys, you are not alone, these criminals are also hurting me, maybe I am also white.
I agree with the author when he says that there is a perception that Blacks are targeting Whites. It is also important to note that black people are also victims of crime. For an example, I get people breaking into my house from time to time. Some people point guns at me. I can not move around freely without criminals getting at me or cops trying to get bribes from me but yet I am not White.
Although I am not a criminal let alone a racist one, I know that even if white people were any other colour (e.g. green); they would probably still experience relatively high levels of crime. This is not necessarily because they are white. I think it would be due to their social class and racial history. I think that if black people were a minority and had enjoyed privileges like whites did during apartheid, they would be probably be experiencing and perceiving what whites are experiencing and saying now.
Black and white relations have historically been very negative in South Africa; hence everything else has a racial trend. Given that black people count for over 70% of the population and over 90% of the people in RSA, it is obvious that nine out of ten criminals will be black. Victims are also black in the majority; it is just that white people complain a lot. I am not saying that there is anything wrong with that. Most white people do not have a reason
While it is true that discrimination was legislated under Apartheid, is it not also true that the constitution expressly allows for discrimination in the form of affirmative action? And that the burden of proof for the need to discriminate lies with the discriminator?
I would support some form of affirmative action but have yet to see basic fairness in its application. At universities jobs go to Africans with Masters degrees over whites with Phds. This is killing graduate programmes and the ability of SA universities to create Africans with PhDs. The irony is excruciating.
Wasn’t it the ANC who said that anyone whinging about crime can leave the country? So why should the ANC whinge when someone gets refugee status in another country?
It is time that Zuma realises that more and more people (white and black) is getting fed up with the Mr A.N. Criminal Party.
The never stopping underestimation of the intelligence of the citizens of this beautifull country is something that should be understanded.
One must have some sort of measurement to make any form of an estimation!
The petty bourgeousi should stop blaming the capitalist and imperialist (who fed them in the past) and start to their jobs!
NO way you spin it TRAPS can cahnge it. You have actually made the perfect argument to justify his asylum.
By referring to the affluent you have created a class of persecuted persons – it is not mere crime
attributed to this group- but rather – targeted and the systemic failure by law enforcement to docket and investigate is tantamount to being complicit in its commission. This class of persecuted is further endorsed by the Government and leadership refusal to protect its citizenry through their respective ommissions.
A lot has been posted, but less has been said to upbring our lovely Country. What a Country ? All true SAns who lives in it. Crime has no colour bar, we need to know this. Not unless u left the country long before 1994. To all refugees from other countries, sooner or later we will be able to overcome you all, when you inject racism in our country. Time differences confirms your actions.
I’m glad that I’ve peace in my life, I have friends through out any colour skin you may think in SA. When I say friends I mean friends where we all share interesting life matters relevant to our family and personal lives.
I have fought my own black community as well as white community, chines, indians the list goes on. At the end of the day, SA is for the people who live in it, not to sure of people who left the country.
To all of us who believe in this country let us stand tall, and not keep quite, and shame who ever speak or badmouth this country. Theres’s a place for all of us. For those who want to leave let them do so, let them follow their own rainbow not ours.
Do not be fooled with what they say. My dream is to have a country where we’re all equally. For the record, Thanks to our white community who acknowledge that apartheid was the cancer and this’s the end
I love the Canadian Goverment for what they are doing. I believe there is a lot of truth in Hutley’s story. I believe the SA goverment is corrupt and definently racist. Think about what Madiba wanted for all of us and ask yourself is this what we are seeing in SA today. Definently not. Go Canada I believe you have done a great thing.
What Madiba wants for RSA is what we all want – it is the ideal and it is his dream just as much as it is ours. However we are living with a reality born out of a fractious, unjust past and whilst we strive for the ideal we must be realistic – no one knows that better than Madiba. If during a pregnancy a mother takes drugs, smokes, drinks and gets smashed around not even she could hope for a healthy, joyous, normal baby…. and so it is for South Africa – hard work and commitment from every citizen, justice, shared wealth and a fine education amongst other requirements are the ingredients required to heal a nation fractured by its past. As for the Canadian organization that gave the guy asylum (it wasn’t the actual government – they are opposing what was done for Huntly – sanity prevails!) – I say to them – get real! What a bunch of idiots!
That statistics show that white males are 100 times less likely to be victims of crime is all fine and well. The rich (black and white) tend to live in low crime, protected neighbourhoods. Nevertheless, it seems fairly obvious to me when a crime is racially motivated, as Fred illustrated:
“Mr Trapido, with your experience and knowledge of criminal law, if someone breaks into your house, wakes you up, rapes and tortures you, and then leaves taking nothing but your car, what were they there to do? Can you remember many cases like that where the criminals were white and the victims black? Can you remember many cases where the criminals were black and the victims black?”
Why torture–why not just take? Why only take the car? Of course, these types of crimes aren’t considered hate crimes because that is just inconceivable to many “African SAns” or whatever. But I don’t see any hard evidence either way… I only see dubious statistics for REPORTED crime published on an SA gov’t website with several spelling errors.
I agree that crime isn’t a rich white guy problem. It’s PROBABLY a poor problem and maybe to some degree, a racial one. But ignoring the racially motivated character of these crimes or neglecting black-on-white crimes altogether is counterproductive. Transparency, fairness, etc. … that’s what’s needed.