Tim Harris post clearly 'jobs for pals' appointment: Cosatu

Cosatu's Western Cape secretary Tony Ehrenreich says he will complain to the Public Protector about Tim Harris' appointment, calling it a clear case of “jobs for pals”.

Ehrenreich said Harris' job was simply a duplication of what was already being done by Wesgro and the Western Cape's EDP.

Harris  quit the DA's parliamentary caucus to take up a new position as an investment officer in the City of Cape Town.

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille and Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lillie announced yesterday that Harris would be leaving his job as a DA MP to take up a powerful position in De Lille's office as the head of the city's investment promotions arm.

Harris said Mazibuko's abrupt departure from the national legislature and the DA's unfolding leadership tussle had no influence on his decision to take up the job in De Lille's office.

Mazibuko announced on Sunday that she was quitting her position as the DA's parliamentary leader to study for a masters degree in public administration at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in the US.

Harris said he was offered “an incredible opportunity” by both De Lille and Zille to take up the position, which was first offered to him six months ago.

Asked why he was prepared to leave an MP position that allowed him to influence the national political discourse to assume a less influential position in the City of Cape Town, Harris said it was time for change after 10 years at Parliament, of which he spend as an MP.

“Of course I hope I made a contribution [to Parliament]. But I also want to make a contribution to the DA ahead of the local government elections in 2016,” said Harris.

De Lille said Harris would focus on job creation and investments in Cape Town.

He would also tasked with improving synergy between the city's economic development department, the provincial government, and the Wesgro-the provincial investment promotion wing.

“This will present a united front for investors looking to create jobs in our city. Together with key departments in the administration, Tim will enhance the implementation of the city’s economic growth strategy and our expanded investment incentive policy, and will work to fully realise our vision of Cape Town as an opportunity city.” said De Lille.