South Africa will demand a judicial review of Canada's decision to grant a local man refugee status because he is white, Deputy International Relations and Co-operation Minister Sue van der Merwe said on Wednesday.

She said Canadian authorities told South Africa's high commissioner in Ottowa that the decision was taken by a quasi-independent immigration board and that the government could not interfere.

Van der Merwe said this would not deter Pretoria.

The government has rejected the decision to grant Cape Town-born Brandon Huntley refugee status ? on the basis that he was victimised because of his race ? as "disgusting".

"We are of the view however that the relevant minister in Canada has the ability to hold a judicial review and the South African government will be urging the Canadian government to do so," she told the National Assembly.

"We will as a government continue to pursue this matter until it is resolved."

Van der Merwe said Canadian authorities should have consulted South Africa in one way or another before taking the extraordinary decision to grant Huntley asylum.

"We think it shows a lack of familiarisation with the facts and reality of the South African situation."

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada found that Huntley, who claims to have been attacked seven times, "was a victim because of his race rather than because of criminality."

It accused the South African government of being unable or unwilling to protect white nationals from "persecution by African South Africans".

Have something to say? Read Rebekah Kendal's opinion piece and join the debate...