The cadre deployment conundrum
In the parlance of our times, so-called state capture, where the political elite and their business buddies conspire to drain state coffers, is among our number one enemies.
This creation of a shadow state, in which government is milked by those connected to the high-ups, is not a unicorn that prances around in South Africa or other neighbouring states, it is a reality in Namibia. Taking this debate further is the inevitable conclusion that so-called cadre or comrade deployment, by ruling parties, in the offices, ministries and agencies of the government, must be seen as the principle enabler to these activities.
In both South Africa and Namibia we have seen, since liberation, senior and other positions being filled in ministries and SOEs simply on the basis of the political affiliation of individuals.
It is wholly surprising that civil society has not challenged this cadre deployment in our courts, as it runs against the very grain of putting the country first in a constitutional democracy.
Even party members should be objecting, because in modern day politics, it is essentially victorious factions that place their members in key positions.
Namibia is in no better a state than South Africa, where so-called Zumanomics, practised under former President Jacob Zuma and his cabal, saw a ruinous policy implemented of rewarding loyal cadres with well-paid jobs at SOEs and the wastage and plundering of tens of billions in taxpayer money. It was revealed by public enterprises minister Leon Jooste in February that government spent more than N$12 billion to sustain Namibian SOEs with subsidies and guarantees in 2017/18 alone.
About N$8.8 billion was in guarantees, while more than N$3.4 billion was in the form of subsidies.
By the end of last year, SOE debt was N$43 billion, about 25% of GDP.
Sixty-seven percent of the N$43 billion owed by SOEs is from commercial public entities, while non-commercial parastatals owe 17% and state financial institutions 16%.
This is wholly unsustainable and points to the impact of cadre deployment, where meritocracy has been replaced by pliable party apparaticks, who are either funnelling money to business networks or are incompetent, and are simply there because of their proximity to the political elite.
Namibia can no longer afford such 'luxuries'.
This creation of a shadow state, in which government is milked by those connected to the high-ups, is not a unicorn that prances around in South Africa or other neighbouring states, it is a reality in Namibia. Taking this debate further is the inevitable conclusion that so-called cadre or comrade deployment, by ruling parties, in the offices, ministries and agencies of the government, must be seen as the principle enabler to these activities.
In both South Africa and Namibia we have seen, since liberation, senior and other positions being filled in ministries and SOEs simply on the basis of the political affiliation of individuals.
It is wholly surprising that civil society has not challenged this cadre deployment in our courts, as it runs against the very grain of putting the country first in a constitutional democracy.
Even party members should be objecting, because in modern day politics, it is essentially victorious factions that place their members in key positions.
Namibia is in no better a state than South Africa, where so-called Zumanomics, practised under former President Jacob Zuma and his cabal, saw a ruinous policy implemented of rewarding loyal cadres with well-paid jobs at SOEs and the wastage and plundering of tens of billions in taxpayer money. It was revealed by public enterprises minister Leon Jooste in February that government spent more than N$12 billion to sustain Namibian SOEs with subsidies and guarantees in 2017/18 alone.
About N$8.8 billion was in guarantees, while more than N$3.4 billion was in the form of subsidies.
By the end of last year, SOE debt was N$43 billion, about 25% of GDP.
Sixty-seven percent of the N$43 billion owed by SOEs is from commercial public entities, while non-commercial parastatals owe 17% and state financial institutions 16%.
This is wholly unsustainable and points to the impact of cadre deployment, where meritocracy has been replaced by pliable party apparaticks, who are either funnelling money to business networks or are incompetent, and are simply there because of their proximity to the political elite.
Namibia can no longer afford such 'luxuries'.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article