THE African National Congress has condemned a decision by Canada to give a white South African refugee status, rejecting it as "racist", "sensationalist" and "alarming".

THE African National Congress has condemned a decision by Canada to give a white South African refugee status, rejecting it as "racist", "sensationalist" and "alarming".

"The ANC views the granting by Canada of refugee status to Brandon Huntley on the grounds that Africans would 'persecute' him, as racist," the party said in a statement yesterday.

"We find the claim by Huntley to have been attacked seven times by Africans due to his skin colour 'without any police intervention' sensational and alarming.

"Canada's reasoning for granting Huntley refugee status can only serve to perpetuate racism," said the ANC.

The ruling party said President Jacob Zuma had made it clear that the government would tackle South Africa's high crime rate.

"There are no doubts about the government's commitment to fight crime. During his state of the nation address, President Zuma made it clear that the government would address crime," the ANC said. - Sapa