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.
CartOOn: Become a Canadian Refugee today
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