Comments on: A welcome mat for whores but a rocket for astrophysicists

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:16:26 +0000

I am glad that the author raises the link between our inept immigration policy and our own country’s xenophobia. I wrote my MA thesis partly on this topic and the reality of the situation is astounding. Aside from the usual racial baggage that any policy discussion in SA dregs up, this is primarily an All Black issue (cheers to the rugby fans). Despite the pan-Africanist language of the policy documents, immigration requirements are kept so strict because of a deep rooted fear of those from Deepest Darkest Africa. Regardless thousands and thousands of people want access to legitimate immigration channels in SA. Many of these of peoples would be economically productive citizens, bring wealth and skills to SA but the restrictions and red tape for legal entry and work are so high that many are forced to live clandestinely in the country. For many bribery is the only viable option. And since the DHA is run badly, the result is easy access for the corrupt and exploitative. The complaints expressed by businessmen looking to hire workers from outside SA or by foreign ‘white’ professionals working in SA are merely the products of a fundamentally rotten system aimed at keeping out Africa’s “unwashed”. A system designed to keep Africans out but so corrupt that the result is exploitation, criminalization and an unremitting cycle of xenophobia inflicted on the thousands of Africans who arrive in this country every year.

The REAL Steve

By: Piet Opperman

Piet Opperman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:52:49 +0000

@Noko:

You said:”This post is one of those that seeks to undermine and denegrate our goverment without the facts. I have no doubt that the writer has never read our immigration policy and compared it with other countries like us. It is always very bad not to put things into perspective.”

The last sentence is correct. So, let’s put things into perspective, according to the ANC:

HIV does not cause AIDS.
There is no crisis in Zimbabwe.
Crime is not out of control.
ID documents are not for sale.
Skilled immigrants are welcomed with open arms…..well actually with outstretched palms, asking for bribes, to be accurate.

By: Chris2.0

Chris2.0 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:18:51 +0000

We had 3 Indian engineering software consultants working for us in PTA – and renewing their work permits was a challenge to say the least. So much that one has left and don’t wish to come back ever again…

Of the other two the DHA does not accept their engineering qualification…

Only more reasons to get my pale male skin out of Zumababwe – just heard that my work permit in Canada has been approved…

And as for skills transfer? None of the BEE candidates at work wish to take over and because of the recession nobody from outside can be employed. So I’m taking my knowledge and experience with me as well, thanks very much Mrs Malema!

By: chris

chris — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:08:42 +0000

@Noko

“This post is one of those that seeks to undermine and denegrate our goverment without the facts”

Are you seriously trying to deny our chronic skills shortage, or the amount of illegal unskilled immigrants within our borders? Are you delusional?

By: zizikazi

zizikazi — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:20:13 +0000

as my Nigerian friend said – ‘what i love about South Africa is that everything is for sale, even citizenship’

By: Fran

Fran — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:04:15 +0000

Open the gates and let us in…or is that out?

By: Santa

Santa — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 07:28:08 +0000

Spot on Author…

South Africa has arguably the world’s most inept approach to immigration, snarled in a cats cradle of corruption and muddled thinking.

This is why countries are closing their borsders to South Africans wanting to leave too…corruption and the absolutaly inept running of our border and immi, emigration control has gone to pot…

By: HappytohaveleftR.S.A

HappytohaveleftR.S.A — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:03:38 +0000

Dave Harris is a twit, defending incompetence and corruption displayed by government officials in South Africa, at present. His blinkers prevent him from seeing the glaring realities. I have worked in the U.K, U.S.A, South-East-Asia as well as various African states. Only in Africa have I been subjected to paying bribe-money for necessary documents. An official in an East African country took it upon himself to visit me on a weekly basis for a hand-out, in spite of the fact that I was in possession of legitimate documents. There was a time when an official who had to sign a release form for certain items, made it clear that he would not do so unless I paid him something under the table. This idiot had me by the balls as he knew what time my flight was departing. Would like to see Dave’s opinion of South Africa in 5 years time. He too, would have jumped ship, simply because any person of fibre finds it difficult to accept conditions akin to the African way. Why live with the frustration?

By: Bovril24

Bovril24 — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:57:39 +0000

All semi dictatorial African regimes have expelled or discouraged people of merit, skills, imagination or qualifications. If they did not, they would never be re-elected.

By: Noko

Noko — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:31:31 +0000

This post is one of those that seeks to undermine and denegrate our goverment without the facts. I have no doubt that the writer has never read our immigration policy and compared it with other countries like us. It is always very bad not to put things into perspective.