Rob Hersov: How America can help save South Africa - A path to renewal

Key topics:

• US urged to pressure ANC to repeal EWC, reform BEE, and drop ICJ case

• Targeted US sanctions proposed for corrupt ANC, MK, and EFF members

• Support suggested for Western Cape and pro-Western SA regions over ANC

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.

The auditorium doors will open for BNIC#2 on 10 September 2025 in Hermanus. For more information and tickets, click here.

By Rob Hersov*

South Africa stands at a precipice, teetering between the promise of a vibrant future and the threat of internal collapse. For too long, the ruling ANC has, in my view, embraced policies that have eroded the nation's economic and social fabric, alienating key international allies in the process. Yet, there remains a path to renewal, and surprisingly, America holds a significant key to unlocking it.

My recent conversations in Washington and Miami, with influential figures and those deeply familiar with the American perspective, paint a clear picture: the United States, across the political spectrum, is fed up. They are keenly aware of South Africa's consistent alignment against American interests in international forums, its cozying up to nations like Russia, China, and Iran, and the alarming realities on the ground, including farm attacks and the detrimental effects of policies like Expropriation Without Compensation (EWC) and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Cyril Ramaphosa's disastrous visit to the White House underscores this dissatisfaction.

The Trump Administration’s signal was clear: the time for appeasement and diplomatic niceties is over. America is quite ready to deliver a "snotklap" – a wake-up call – to the ANC. This isn't about humiliation, because I believe Trump showed remarkable restraint, but about exposing the real problems to help instigate real, necessary change for the good of all South Africans and US relations

So, how can America intervene to catalyze South Africa's salvation?

Firstly, direct and decisive pressure on the ANC leadership is paramount. Donald Trump’s administration knows the truth. It understands that the recently formed GNU coalition government is fragile, and that Ramaphosa, in his current position, may lack the courage to enact meaningful reforms. But the message must be unequivocal: repeal EWC, reform BEE, and withdraw the ICJ case against Israel. These should be non-negotiable prerequisites for a renewed partnership and “making a deal” includes trade advantages and increased American investment. Companies like the 600 American firms already in South Africa should be empowered to disregard BEE laws, because BEE is essentially a tariff on American enterprise.

Secondly, If Ramaphosa’s party refuses to implement the prerequisite reforms, America should employ targeted sanctions against corrupt individuals within the ANC (and radical leftists of the MK and EFF parties). The Zondo Commission, while exposing widespread corruption, has thus far yielded little accountability. There were 2,348 names mentioned with alleged criminal activity. The US can act on this information. Individuals implicated in corruption and those actively undermining democratic and sound economic principles should be placed on the Magnitsky list, their assets frozen, and their ability to travel restricted. This sends a powerful message that the era of impunity is over and creates an incentive for internal reform within the ANC itself. 

Thirdly, America must unequivocally back the Western Cape and other well-governed, pro-Western entities within South Africa. This means appointing a special envoy to monitor and protect minority rights, moving the American embassy from Pretoria to Cape Town, and actively working with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other like-minded organizations like Dr. Corne Mulders FF+ and Gayton McKenzie’s Patriotic Alliance. By channeling support, investment, and diplomatic recognition to areas demonstrating good governance, respect for property rights, and a commitment to free markets, the US will defend tangible examples of success within South Africa. This approach would effectively ring-fence areas that are actively pursuing a path of growth and stability, showcasing an alternative to the ANC's current trajectory, and providing a springboard for American investment throughout all of Southern Africa.

Finally, America should recognize that external pressure is the only catalyst for meaningful change. For decades, the ANC has been insular, detached from the realities on the ground, and largely unresponsive to internal pleas for reform. Their traditional allies, like Russia and China, have their own geopolitical priorities and are unlikely to ride to South Africa’s rescue. Iran, facing its own significant challenges, will not be a savior. South Africa's problems are now primarily internal, and the ANC is disintegrating from within. This external "snotklap" from America can accelerate this disintegration and force the remaining sensible elements within the ANC to finally confront reality and make the difficult but necessary choices for the country's future. 

Read more:

The ANC has proven that it only responds to pressure. So it’s time for America to bring it. 

Some may argue that these recommendations are too heavy-handed, or that they infringe on South Africa's sovereignty. This is absurd. The greatest threat to the sovereignty of South Africa has been the ANC. This party has de-industrialized the country, making us more dependent on donor nations and mercenary countries like China. The ANC has destabilized South Africa through collapsed infrastructure, rising crime, and the highest youth unemployment rate in the world. 

The ANC has left us defenseless. Cyril Ramaphosa flew to America on one of the last working airplanes in our Air Force. Large sections of our radar defenses recently went down— which may be a blessing in disguise because we don’t have any working jets to scramble in the event of an emergency! 

And let’s not forget the era of Jacob Zuma’s “State Capture.” So don’t lecture us about “endangering South Africa’s sovereignty.” Pathetic.

What I’m talking about is America helping the areas of South Africa government and civil society which actuality demonstrate the features of sovereignty and self-government. For example, areas like the Western Cape and private free market associations defending Western values. 

This isn't about American domination; it's about America helping its natural allies and providing a lifeline to a nation that has lost its way. By applying targeted pressure on the bad actors and simultaneously empowering those committed to a better future, America can play a crucial role in saving South Africa’s sovereignty. Right now, the choice lies with the ANC. But if it doesn’t change course, America has every right to align with regions and interests within South Africa that share its values and want to secure a prosperous future for its people. 

*Rob Hersov, South African businessman and patriot.