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Brandon Huntley and the Colour of Crime
Ask any South African about the country´s crime problem, and they´ll ring off a list of brothers, sisters, friends and uncles, stabbed, hijacked or shot. A few short weeks ago, some of my family were held at gunpoint in their own security complex style home in suburban Johannesburg—complete with razor wire. Unfortunately their story is all to common in South Africa, and the nation´s familiarity with violent crime has developed its own farcical national-identity for a country still plagued by a legacy of institutionalized violence and racism. Equality, it seems, is often found at the barrel end of a gun.
Crime, by virtue of the country´s black majority, falls heavily on this (also the country´s poorest) demographic—a group victim to one of the twenty-first century´s more notable acts of barbarism. While crime is not a black only phenomenon, most South Africans acknowledge that black South Africans bear the brunt of violent crime. Which is why I was so surprised to hear the story of Brandon Huntley, the white South African refugee. Being a white South African myself, I have never considered myself a refugee even though my family has been a victim of violent crime. Huntley brought his refugee claim before the Canadian Immigration Board claiming he had been a victim of racial attacks—around 7 in total. The board—whose job description, it seems, would be to stay informed of international social and political issues—showed an astounding ignorance regarding the realities of post-apartheid South Africa. William Davis—chair of the board—declared that Huntley would ¨stick out like a sore thumb due to his colour in any part of the country.¨ Mr. Davis´s knowledge of basic colonial history seems to be lacking.
While Brandon Huntley was sticking out like a sore thumb in cosmopolitan, multicultural Cape Town, he claims he was attacked multiple times by assailants who uttered racial slurs. While multiple attacks for racial reasons seems improbable even in a country as divided as South Africa, the crux of the matter is that Huntley failed to report any of the attacks. With lack of any circumstantial evidence, the immigration board declared that Huntley´s ¨fear of persecution by African South Africans¨ is justified, and ¨he is a victim of race rather than a victim of criminality.¨ As an aside, the use of the term ¨African South Africans¨ is yet another indication of the hopelessly muddled political ignorance and PC ideology that dominates Canadian bureaucracy. While I cannot speak for all South Africans, many white, black and coloured people consider themselves African, myself included.
As African National Congress deputy of Foreign Affairs Minister Sue van Der Merwe said, the board´s decision shows ¨a lack of familiarization with the realities of South African society.¨ The decision to grant refugee protection is usually based upon systemic oppression or discrimination faced by the claimant. While South Africa´s white population is, no doubt, subject to violent crime few would argue that this crime is racially motivated. If anything South Africans across the racial spectrum would argue that the blame for out-of-control crime rates rests squarely on the shoulders of the ruling ANC government. The floundering administration of past-president Mbeki cared more about international attention and business dealings than grappling with crime and a failing public infrastructure. While the bombastic left-rhetoric of Zuma is yet to produce any profound changes. If anything, worker dissatisfaction has risen under Zuma, with massive public sector strikes in the last few months. Mr. Huntley´s case is a perfect example of the ANC hiding behind their moral curtain and crying international racism instead of pledging to do something about crime and unemployment. The jerking of knees—both to the left and right—extends from Ottawa to Pretoria.
Nevertheless Huntley´s case raises serious questions regarding the refugee review process in Canada. By showing an abysmal knowledge of South African society and politics, and accepting unreported claims as fact, the board has shown their inadequacy in dealing with refugee claims. Why was the board so willing and eager to denounce South Africa and accept Huntley´s claims and not those of US soldiers seeking asylum in Canada?
An understanding of South African history is the basis for solving this case. As Barney Mtombothi, editor of South Africa´s Financial Times, rightly argues: ¨What a shame we did not apply for refugee status in Canada during the apartheid years.¨ Mr Huntley has caused a great disgrace to his country and compatriots; and his government to its citizens by failing to protect them. The Canadian Immigration Board should be equally criticized for acting absurdly to the point of colonial protectionism. What will clear the air is a full investigation by the South African government into Mr. Huntley´s claims and a schooling in South African history for the crew of the immigration board.
Chris Webb is a journalist and activist living in Toronto. He is currently the Publishing Assistant at Canadian Dimension magazine and a Communications Officer with SEIU-Local 1 Canada. Read more by Chris Webb.
I read that the decision was made by a one person panel. Clearly this one judge was ignorant and maybe had watched too many movies about the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya or something. Stick out like a sore thumb in Cape Town, because of his race? Thats a ridiculous comment.
#1. Posted by LA_golfer in Los Angeles on September 7th 2009 at 2:31pm
I am South African and I disagree…
“While South Africa´s white population is, no doubt, subject to violent crime few would argue that this crime is racially motivated. If anything South Africans across the racial spectrum would argue that the blame for out-of-control crime rates rests squarely on the shoulders of the ruling ANC government. “
Not one of you has the right to judge this scenario as you have not been in such a position. Most crime is not reported because the police are too ineffectual in containing it or the individuals are murdered. The ones that have survived these attacks I have interviewed have claimed that racial slurs were made.
Whilst the crime may rest on the shoulders of the ANC- Brandons’ issue highlights the ineffectiveness and incompetence of the government to protect it’s citizens whether they be black or white.
By showing an abysmal knowledge of South African society and politics, and accepting unreported claims as fact, the board has shown their inadequacy in dealing with refugee claims. Why was the board so willing and eager to denounce South Africa and accept Huntley´s claims and not those of US soldiers seeking asylum in Canada?
I would like to point out that a person is innocent until proven guilty. As far as SA society goes please view:
http://www.visionofhumanity.org/gpi/results/rankings.php
Every court ruling can either be won or lost depending on the presiding judge- This time Brandon was lucky- the AWOL soldiers not.
” As Barney Mtombothi, editor of South Africa´s Financial Times, rightly argues: ¨What a shame we did not apply for refugee status in Canada during the apartheid years.¨
I would argue that many blacks did apply for refugee status overseas during the apartheid years not necessarily Canada but the USA, Sweden, Norway, The Netherlands so this is debunked.
Huntley’s ex has not contradicted his crime revelations either.
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=22&art_id=vn20090908041817228C596061
If this had been a black individual applying for refugee status I doubt anyone would have blinked, but because it is white…well!
#2. Posted by Martyn abrahams in The hague/Johannesburg on September 8th 2009 at 7:02am
Well I was shocked when I read this article, typical it was written by an ex-South African living in Winnipeg. Now that just shows you how out of touch he is with what’s really going on in South Africa while he’s comfortably living in the safety of Canada. I at least know what I experienced before I left, and it was very similar to what Brandon Huntley described to the panel.
I also live in Canada and we moved here because of the crime, ineffectual police, fear, and refusing to let our children grow up with this burden. Most crimes against a white South African will include a racial slur. A black South Africa once shouted out at my sister “I’ll kill you” when she was 10 years old. Are these incidences few and far between, I think not. My family and I have also been victim to numerous criminal acts, take the mugging of my 70 year old grandmother, my 18 year old cousin, twice, the theft of my mothers’ bank card from under her nose and subsequent withdrawl of her money, the use of her credit card (that never leaves her wallet or sight) for a porn website by a bank employee, the break ins and attempted thefts on my property, car, garage, handbag, backpack, the intruders that walked on our house roof to intimidate us and then sat under our bedroom windows talking as loud as they could to scare us, the shots fired in our front yard, the rape of a woman across the street from our house where we heard her begging him to stop. The police never came. We were three women living alone. My mom, my sister and I. They never bothered. So I never bothered, I gave up on my country. Just like it gave up on me, being a white South African.
I love South Africa but not the politics, I hate the state of the country. I will never go back. I will never encourage my son to go back, unless it’s to visit family. I am even too afraid to take him now to visit family we haven’t seen in 6 years. He is 3 years old. Who knows what could happen, we could be hijacked, murdered or worse, me raped and him. How sick is that to think of the possiblity of your child being raped. This is the reality of the country. Open your eyes, stop deluding yourself. It’s not sunshine and roses and it’s not getting any better. It’s worse since we left in 2003. No excuses. 15 years of government later has made the country worse not better.
#3. Posted by Suellen in Alberta, Canada on September 8th 2009 at 9:59pm
I support Brandon Huntly and applaud him for lifting the cover of South African society. I had the misfortune to escort a group of multinationals to Cape Town recently. After arrival, we were picked up at the airport and warned by the driver to lock the doors and not to leave the car as it is dangerous to do so. At the hotel we were told not to go out at night because it is dangerous to walk the streets at night. We were told a story by the hotel staff of a white male tourist being robbed three times in one week. We saw police standing idly by while white people were harassed at an ATM across the street. We were charged exorbitant prices for simple items that I know were at least half the price. Services were provided in a don’t care fassion. I love South Africa and would dearly love to introduce the rest of the world to its many wonderful aspects but when I visited the last time, I felt ashamed of my country of birth. Where are all those anti-apartheid activists now? Why don’t they step up and cry freedom for all the people of South Africa now? South Africa is not a free country. There are self imposed prisons called suburban homes complete with security fences, burglar alarms, gaurd dogs and all. Pay the police a fair wage for the dangerous job they have to do and maybe they will respond better. But only if they can eliminate the corruption…
Good luck with the world cup next year!
#4. Posted by Chris in Thailand on September 8th 2009 at 10:50pm
How many farmers are murdered every year and it is not even worth reporting anymore. Fact is the purpotrators are all black and the victims are all white.
Brandon, you at least have the guts to take on this stinking system in our beautiful country. Good luck!
#5. Posted by Peter in South Africa on September 9th 2009 at 4:36am
Well… Chris, I have had this challenge out to SA Media for a few days now… and nobody it appears who thinks like you do, wants to put their money where their mouths are… Put differently, they don’t know that they are ‘correct’, they only hope that their opinion is correct…
So here is the challenge/bet:
Is Black on White Crime in South Africa racially motivated?
Know any journalist who is willing to put their money where their mouth is, on their opinion? A blogger journalist is willing to put a Krugerrand (R10,000) on her research that black on white murder, rape and assault is racially motivated….
Any journalist willing to put thier money where their mouth is, and take the bet?
http://why-we-are-white-refugees.blogspot.com/
#6. Posted by Why We Are White Refugees... in George, RSA on September 9th 2009 at 7:14pm
I find Mr Anesh Maistry’s commend regarding Mr Brandon Huntley very interesting!
The Mr A.N. Criminal party just doesn’t have the basic intelligence to underestimate the integrity and intelligence of the average South African. One needs to have some sort of measurement to do an estimation!
The RSA-government took possession of my valuables as part of a drug manufacturer’s assets. I am / was not / will not ever be involved with any criminal act. They now got to a point where they claim that they have given back what I had…........ not acknowledging that EVERY THING (that didn’t go missing whilst forming part of their forfeiting) has been damaged beyond use. (I have the photos there-of.)
My concern however is that millions are being given by the UN and EU that is suppose to go to victims of crime. It doesn’t!
When the government illegally forfeited my movable property, I have approach the Legal Aid - a section that forms part of the Dept. of Justice. That was already during the early months of 2007. I am waiting…… Of the criminal case (against amongst others, the state) also nothing happened!
Did the RSA provide me with a shelter whilst suffering from severe crime? No. I have been humiliated to such an extend that I have absolutely no respect for this government.
The petty bourgeoisie, who runs the RSA, keep on blaming apartheid / Capitalism / Imperialist. Forgetting that they are now biting the very same hand that fed them when they were a force against the “apartheid regime”.
I have opened a case with the SAHRC (South African Human Rights Commission) in Rustenburg is now almost two years – no help of hope.
It is now also almost three years that I am applying for legal aid (who I am sure should know about the millions that was given for the victims of crime) - they have more excuses than ability to help!
Mr Huntley did the right thing to apply for refugee status. I wish I could. The irony is that I cannot even sell my property to get a ticket to fly. (I do not even have money for food - was it not for the kind man who supplies the most basic.)
The fact is: The UN, the EU, basically all the countries in the world should start opening their eyes.
Crime and the corruption by the very government who is suppose to guarantee our safety, just doesn’t have the ability to do it.
It is not whether they are white or black. It has nothing to do with racism. .
I have photos of the condition of the very few items that the A N Criminal’s gave back. If that is the standard / respect that the government has for me - then I reserve the right to demonstrate the same level of respect for them.
But then - with the judges, the senior police men, the ministers and president, - one should make sure to never call the RSA a banana republic.
Engela Britz
NS (Talleyrand: I am more afraid of a 100 sheep led by a lion than of a 100 lion led by a sheep.)
#7. Posted by Engela J M Britz in NORTH WEST - RSA on September 10th 2009 at 9:56am
How ignorant and out of touch you are! As I read this article i felt my jaw slipping lower and lower until it was almost scrapping the floor. Racism is indeed rampant in South Africa , you can read about it everyday. All you need to do is read the speeches and comments of prominent ANC YOUTH league and Governtment leaders and it will smack you in the face. Their thinly veiled racist jibes are directed at white South Africans. The general attitude of black South Africans is that white people must go back to Europe where they came from. In fact , I have been told this too my face by a black girl with whom I shared 12 years of schooling. A month after I emigrated to the UK , a close family friend was stabbed to death in her home by a group of black youths. Was it a robbery? Did they take anything? NO. before they left her to die in a puddle of her own blood they told her “yes you white bitch die . we are coming after you all. white bitches must know they are going to get raped and killed”. she told this to her husband before dying a few hours later. In the next week before finally being apprehended, they broke into 5 more homes, raped 3 white women and left 2 of them for dead. All these women reported the same thing - they were informed by their attackers that they were targeted becuase they were white South Africans and they deserved it. These were openly racial attacks and sadly, I know that these are not the only cases of this kind in South Africa. All you need to do is listen carefully and you will hear the underground rumblings which are stirring amongst the black South African population. Riled up by the racist hate speech of the ANC YOUTH league and fuelled by boredom, poverty, frustration and a sense of lingering injustice from the apartheid days, there is a growing population of angry ,violence- driven ,depserate people who have been told to lay the blame for all their woes on the doorsteps of white South Africans. When are we going to stop being punished for the hideous crimes committed by our forebearers against black and coloured people during the Apartheid era ? When is enough finally enough?
#8. Posted by R.Brown in Uk on October 1st 2009 at 5:17am
I have been raped twice in South Africa. When I reported the matter to the police, the offer asked me to look at myself in a mirror so that I can see that I am looking for what I got. A poll recently done by the UN amnesty reveiled that more than 30% black south african men believes that a woman is asked to be raped if she wears reveiling clothes. However, during both attacks, my attackers made sure I understand how much they hate me (as a white woman) and that this was for what we boers did to their people.
My dear Mr. Webb. I know I am not the only one. You are so ignorant regarding the real situation. BBE in itself is a discriminatory law. Just because the South African Government have justified it or not, it remains discriminatory. Until the day, you have been raped by 3 men - making sure you understand that it is racially motivated, You Mr. Webb has no idea what you are talking about. Itis hatered that I can understand, but it still remains and is a fact.
#9. Posted by Another victim in DR on October 5th 2009 at 2:18pm
PC Canada vs. IRB & Huntley: How many SA Black on White Crimes are Racially Motivated?
#10. Posted by Boycott 2010 World Cup! in George, RSA on October 31st 2009 at 12:29pm