Rob Hersov: Trump’s first 100-day triumph; USA must back DA-run Western Cape, ignore ANC’s SA

In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, capital activist Rob Hersov defends Donald Trump’s policy impact, slams South Africa’s current leadership as “racist and kleptocratic,” and urges America to back the DA-led Western Cape over the ANC. From geopolitics to personal legacy, Hersov pulls no punches. Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.Support South Africa’s bastion of independent journalism, offering balanced insights on investments, business, and the political economy, by joining BizNews Premium. Register here.If you prefer WhatsApp for updates, sign up to the BizNews channel here..Watch here:.Listen here:.Highlights from the interview.In a wide-ranging and characteristically uncompromising conversation with BizNews founder Alec Hogg, Rob Hersov laid out a sweeping vision for South Africa's future — and it leaves no room for political niceties. From Donald Trump's return to a revitalized America, to the Western Cape emerging as South Africa's only viable partner for the West, Hersov’s capitalist activism is gathering pace.Relaxed after a family getaway in the Cederberg, Hersov wasted no time diving into sharp critiques of South African governance, applauding Trump’s first hundred days, and unveiling his ambitious new media project, The Truth Report.Trump’s second act: "Warp speed revolution"For Hersov, Donald Trump's re-election has triggered a "counterrevolution at warp speed." In just 100 days, Trump has — according to Hersov — secured the US-Mexico border, reignited the American energy sector, crushed the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) movement, and restored investor confidence.“The border is now 90% closed. The energy market has been re-energized. DEI has been swept away. And on trade, seventy countries are queuing to make deals with America,” said Hersov. “Forget the media hysteria. Trump is living his best life — and so is America.”His admiration for Trump is rooted not just in style but substance: a break from ideological capture and a reassertion of national self-interest, themes Hersov believes are desperately needed elsewhere — particularly in South Africa.South Africa’s missed opportunities — and a blunt warningTurning to South Africa’s ambassador to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, Hersov praised Jonas as a “fundamentally good guy,” but cautioned that good character isn’t enough.“If I were America, I would accept Jonas — but I wouldn’t listen to a word until South Africa acts, not just talks,” Hersov said. That action, he insisted, must include the repeal of expropriation without compensation (EWC), abandoning the case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and dismantling race-based policies like BEE.Hersov didn’t mince words about South Africa’s ruling party either: “Under the ANC, South Africa is a racist, socialist, ineptocratic, and kleptocratic state. Why should the West take them seriously?”The case for bypassing Pretoria: Invest in the Western CapeIn a radical proposal likely to stir debate, Hersov urged the United States and Western allies to move their embassies and investments from Pretoria to Cape Town.“Support the Western Cape. Move the US ambassador to Cape Town. Drop all tariffs for Cape exports like wine and agriculture. Slam tariffs on the rest of South Africa. Punish the bad guys; embolden the good guys,” he argued.By recognizing the Western Cape’s governance under the DA — a government not tainted by BEE or EWC — Hersov believes the West could incentivize reform and demonstrate that good governance leads to real economic reward.Capitalist activism and the birth of The Truth ReportHersov also unveiled his newest venture: The Truth Report, a media platform aimed at challenging South Africa’s overwhelmingly left-leaning media landscape.Inspired by Trump’s reliance on podcasts and independent media during his 2024 campaign, The Truth Report will amplify South Africa’s independent, center-right voices like Renaldo Gouws, Gareth Cliff, and Phumlani Majozi.“We're creating a platform for those who care about free markets, democracy, and the rule of law — voices suppressed by traditional media,” Hersov explained. He emphasized that it is an "ideological investment" aimed at saving the country, not driven by profit.Legacy and the fight against cowardiceWhen asked about his legacy, Hersov answered with stoic humility: “Stoics don’t believe in legacies. You live the right way, and you’re gone.” Yet, he admitted he would be content if future generations acknowledged he helped nudge South Africa onto a better path.Hersov’s disappointment with organized business, however, was palpable. “They’ve been captured — BEE partners, DEI policies, trade union pressure. CEOs hope someone else takes the heat," he said, noting that even now, few in corporate South Africa have the courage to openly call out the ANC.Still, the momentum, he believes, is shifting. "When I first called ANC voters morons and the cabinet clowns, I was alone. Now, many people use those words."Looking ahead: A voice unbowedRob Hersov’s voice is unapologetic, sometimes polarizing — but undeniably influential. He will deliver the keynote closing address at the upcoming BizNews Investment Conference in September, where he promises to tie together the themes of capitalist activism, democratic renewal, and pragmatic optimism.In a nation still wrestling with its post-liberation identity, Hersov offers an unvarnished alternative: reward competence, punish corruption, speak the truth — and invest where the future still shines.

Rob Hersov: Trump’s first 100-day triumph; USA must back DA-run Western Cape, ignore ANC’s SA

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