Lewis wrong on cadres

It is not clear how opposing cadre deployment is a “red herring” in the mind of David Lewis, though he helpfully offers what opposition parties should rather do (“Cadre deployment debate generates more heat than light,” March 27).

Lewis recites the problems with the “how” in the current system (check), proposes better ways of doing it (check), and scorns existing “opposition party” (read DA) efforts to stop cadre deployment (why?).

The foundational sin is that these appointments are made in dreary rooms at Luthuli House by people calling one another comrade. It seems pretty obvious that for all the sunny positivity Lewis feels would be more beneficial, one has to end the embedded practice at its root, which is not just a lousy process but something ideologically and tightly believed.

The Zondo state capture commission’s conclusions and observations in this matter were not confusing. What broadly supporting the governing party’s views and objectives has to do with anything is, I suggest, the real red herring.

What we need from someone appointed to a state-owned enterprise board or chapter 9 institution, for example, is their full commitment to the purpose and healthy state of that institution, and the capability to do so. Nothing more. Their political views are irrelevant.

When we bring other criteria into the mix, such as this ridiculous idea of broadly supporting the governing party’s mandate, we get the likes of Busisiwe Mkhwebane, an appointment Lewis loudly supported at the time.

Martin Neethling

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