Rob Hersov backs U.S. aid cuts to South Africa

Key Points

• Rob Hersov backs U.S. aid cuts to South Africa, accusing the ANC of disrespecting the West while benefiting from its financial support.
• Hersov warns of more U.S. penalties, saying the ANC prioritizes party interests over national good and mismanages foreign policy.
• The billionaire eyes media disruption, planning a South African version of The Daily Wire alongside airport and tech-driven infrastructure ventures.

South African billionaire and capitalist activist Rob Hersov has thrown his weight behind the United States’ decision to cut financial aid to South Africa, warning that more penalties against the country’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), are likely on the way.

In a recent interview, Hersov didn’t hold back when asked about the growing rift between the U.S. and South Africa. “Well deserved. I think America is right,” he said. “In just about every United Nations vote, South Africa doesn’t even read or do their homework—they just vote against America. They take American aid but treat the country with disdain.”

Hersov slams ANC over U.S. relations

Doubling down, Hersov added, “It’s about time America said to South Africa, ‘Stuff you’—especially to the ANC. They’re behaving like spoilt idiots. Sure, the ANC did a good job in the early years, but ever since the Zuma and Ramaphosa era, they’ve treated the West with arrogance while happily accepting its money.”

His comments follow reports that the U.S. is weighing sanctions against more than 40 South African politicians and other influential figures. Back in February, former President Donald Trump halted federal funding to South Africa, citing concerns over how minority groups were being treated. More recently, new tariffs on South Africa and several other nations have raised tensions even further.

Hersov didn’t mince words about what he sees as the root of the issue. “The ANC’s foreign policy is simply: who gives us money? Cyril has always put the ANC ahead of the country—even publicly. It’s disgusting,” he said. “So America is absolutely right. And this is just the beginning.”

Hersov plots media venture in SA

Known for his sharp views and fearless public statements, Rob Hersov is one of South Africa’s most prominent business figures. He comes from a powerful legacy—his grandfather, Bob Hersov, founded mining and industrial giant AngloVaal, and his father, Basil, led the company for nearly three decades until it was sold off in the late 1990s.

But Rob didn’t just live off the family name. After earning his MBA from Harvard, he worked at Goldman Sachs and served as an assistant to media tycoon Rupert Murdoch. In 1998, he launched Marquis Jets Europe, a private jet business he later sold to Warren Buffett’s NetJets. Since then, he’s led multinational companies and built businesses worth tens of millions.

Most recently, Hersov revealed plans to launch a media company aimed at South African audiences—his own version of “The Daily Wire.” It’s not his first foray into the media world; back in the early 2000s, he founded Sportal, a digital sports media platform that drew major investment and attention.

Hersov bets big on Africa’s growth

His ambitions go far beyond media. Hersov co-founded New South Africa.org, a decentralized tech-driven initiative that aims to tackle issues like infrastructure and governance. His work through Invest Africa, a network he launched in 2013, is another example.

With more than 400 members worldwide, the organization connects investors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals looking to build businesses across the continent. In 2018, Invest Africa merged with The Business Council for Africa, further strengthening its reach.

In 2021, Hersov made headlines again when he bought the former Fisantekraal airstrip just outside Cape Town. He’s since begun transforming it into Cape Winelands Airport—a modern aviation hub for both commercial and private flights.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Winelands, the airport is expected to become a key gateway to tourism hotspots like Franschhoek. Whether it’s airports, media, or shaking up South Africa’s political status quo, Rob Hersov remains determined to make an impact—and, as always, unafraid to speak his mind.