Cape Town – South African entrepreneur and investor Rob Hersov has raised alarm over what he describes as a growing “anti-white” legislative agenda in the country, warning that the economy may not survive until the next general election in 2029.
His concerns come in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive order, which accuses the South African government of enabling the expropriation of Afrikaner-owned property without compensation and threatens economic sanctions against the country.
Speaking on The Rubin Report, Hersov criticised the recent signing of the Expropriation Without Compensation law by President Cyril Ramaphosa, calling it the “straw that broke the camel’s back” in a long history of racially charged policies that he argues are driving economic decline and social division.
“There are 140 race-baed laws in South Africa – all anti-white. And eight days ago, Cyril Ramaphosa, our president, signed into law – just hear these three words – Expropriation Without Compensation,” Hersov said.
“There have been endless laws boiling us like a frog in a bowl.”
Hersov expressed gratitude toward Trump for taking a strong stance on the issue, suggesting that international attention, particularly from the US, is crucial to preventing South Africa from spiraling into what he called a “socialist abyss”.
🚨🇿🇦SOUTH AFRICA IS ON THE EDGE OF A SOCIALIST ABYSS
Robert Hersov:
“140 race-based laws in South Africa, all anti-white.
There’s been endless laws, anti-white, boiling us like a frog in a bowl.
And all I can say is thank you, America, and thank you, Donald Trump, for… https://t.co/DSshO0oAbW pic.twitter.com/HjOIjaNAxW
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) March 7, 2025
Trump’s executive order, which cites concerns over human rights violations and property rights abuses, signals a potential shift in US-South Africa relations, raising the spectre of diplomatic fallout and economic repercussions, including possible sanctions or trade restrictions.
His concerns echo those of Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who has repeatedly spoken out about South Africa’s deteriorating political and economic situation. Musk, who was born in Pretoria, has criticised the South African government for what he calls its failure to protect businesses, farmers, and critical infrastructure. Responding to reports of farm attacks and racial tensions, Musk has warned that the country is on a dangerous path.
“Tragic that it’s come to this,” Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter), referencing concerns over property rights and the South African government’s economic policies.
Additionally, Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service remains banned in South Africa, a move that has drawn criticism from international commentators. On Friday, SMX tweeted:
“Elon Musk’s Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa simply because Elon isn’t black, absolutely shameful.”
Elon Musk’s Starlink is not allowed to operate in South Africa simply because Elon isn’t black, absolutely shameful. pic.twitter.com/AdznoVxoHP
— SMX 🇺🇸 (@iam_smx) March 7, 2025
DogeDesigner, a well-known Musk supporter, followed up with:
“South Africa may not allow Starlink to operate, but they can’t stop people of their country from seeing the truth.”
South Africa may not allow Starlink to operate, but they can’t stop people of their country from seeking the truth.
𝕏 is now the #1 News App on the AppStore in South Africa! 🥇
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) March 7, 2025
The South African government has maintained that Starlink does not meet the country’s regulatory requirements, which mandate that internet service providers must have at least 30% black ownership to operate in the country.
However, critics argue that the decision is politically motivated and a sign of broader racial and economic policies that discourage foreign investment and technological advancement.
When asked about possible solutions, Hersov was pessimistic about internal change, arguing that South Africa lacks the political will to reverse its trajectory.
“I don’t think we can, internally. We have to wait until the 2029 election, and I don’t think our economy will survive. It requires some external dynamic to change it,” he said.
He called for US intervention, particularly from Trump, to counter what he described as the influence of “the woke mind virus” that has overtaken South African politics.
“We’ve been infected in South Africa with the evil woke mind virus – way more than in America. We’ve got it times two. And there is no momentum in South Africa to reverse it,” Hersov said.
His remarks add to the ongoing debate over South Africa’s land reform policies, investor confidence, and economic trajectory.
Critics warn that Trump’s executive order could exacerbate tensions between the two nations, potentially affecting trade agreements, foreign investment, and South Africa’s access to global financial markets.
Meanwhile, supporters argue that external pressure may be the only mechanism to force the South African government to reconsider its land policies and economic direction.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Screengrab
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu