Speaking to HumanIPO about his role at Silicon Cape, Harris said he was impressed by the buzz around the non-profit organisation when it was launched in 2009 and was, ironically, a fan of the fact it was a privately led group with no interference from government.
Regarding how he now finds himself as the group’s direct link into South African politics, Harris said: "My sense of it now is although the best thing about it was that it came from the private sector, not having anyone connected to the government was one of its major constraints.
“I was asked by the previous executive chairman to come to the board and speak to them and talk about what government could do. Perhaps more what government can do to get out of the way rather than assist.”
Harris describes his role as more one of an “adviser” on what the government is doing and is planning on doing which may affect the tech scene.
Silicon Cape currently has around 7,000 signed up members and everyone involved in the running of the organisation is a volunteer, combining their specific portfolio’s with their day jobs.
HumanIPO reported in December when interviewing Silicon Cape’s new chairperson, Alexandra Fraser, that one of the initiative’s goals was to forge stronger links and start a more regular dialogue with governments, both locally and nationally.
Harris added he did not see his role on the committee as a political one and he tries to take the political “point scoring” out of the equation.
He said: “I try to remove the politics from it. It is about making sure the government is getting out of the way when required and that is not a political thing.
“It is at national level you will see most of the constraints. Tax control and exchange restraints. I am prepared to work with the finance minister in relaxing these constraints in a totally non political way. I want to see this work and I am not interested in point scoring.”
