Rob Hersov has a message for all young South Africans

South African businessman Rob Hersov has declared that there is no place like home, arguing that South Africa remains worth fighting for despite its economic and political challenges.

Hersov, who returned to South Africa in 2017 after spending 31 years overseas, made the comments during an interview on The Relocated South African podcast, hosted by Jan Hugo.

He also revealed that his wife, who is from New Zealand, shares his enthusiasm for the country and believes Cape Town and South Africa are the best city and country in the world.

“I don’t want to leave and it’s worth fighting for,” Hersov said, adding that hearing this from a New Zealander made the endorsement particularly significant.

Why Rob Hersov returned to South Africa

Rob Hersov left South Africa in 1985 after completing his military service and went on to build an international career.

His professional journey included working for Goldman Sachs on Wall Street, studying at Harvard Business School and joining Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation in New York.

He later headed Morgan Stanley’s media investment banking team in Europe and joined the board of luxury goods group Richemont.

Despite his international career, Hersov eventually returned to South Africa in 2017 after more than three decades abroad.

He said the lifestyle, natural beauty and value offered by Cape Town were among the reasons he believes the country is difficult to match.

Hersov highlighted the city’s mountains, beaches, schools and access to destinations across the Western Cape.

He also compared the cost of property in Cape Town favourably with London and Los Angeles, arguing that South Africans can enjoy a lifestyle that would be considerably more expensive in some international cities.

Hersov launches criticism at the ANC

Despite his praise for South Africa, Rob Hersov was critical of the country’s political and economic direction under ANC-led governments.

He argued that poor governance, corruption and policies affecting investment had damaged the economy.

Hersov also expressed the view that the country could attract significant investment if it moved towards stronger economic growth and changed policies he opposes, including Black Economic Empowerment and expropriation without compensation.

He claimed that as much as R2 trillion sitting on corporate balance sheets could be invested in the economy if confidence improved.

Hersov predicted that better economic conditions could encourage South Africans living overseas to return, invest and contribute their skills and experience.

He described this potential movement as a “reverse diaspora”.

However, he acknowledged that South Africa’s safety challenges remain a serious concern, particularly for ordinary residents who cannot afford private security.

He said the country remains an attractive tourist destination, but cautioned that the relative security enjoyed by people living in protected estates and other secure environments does not reflect the experience of all South Africans.

His advice to young South Africans

Rob Hersov encouraged young South Africans with the opportunity to work or study overseas to take it.

He believes international experience can help people develop valuable skills, build professional networks and become better equipped to contribute when they return home.

“If you’ve got the ability to spend some time of your life overseas, get training, make some money, build a network of extraordinary people, you need to go,” he said.

He added that young South Africans should consider returning when they see the country moving in the right direction.

Hersov also encouraged young people to consider entrepreneurship and technology rather than automatically following traditional corporate career paths.

He argued that advances in artificial intelligence and technology have made it easier than ever for people with business ideas to develop products and launch companies.

His message was ultimately one of optimism about South Africa’s potential, despite his outspoken criticism of the country’s leadership.

For Hersov, the country’s challenges do not outweigh what it has to offer.

“There is no place like South Africa,” he said.

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