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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.