Podcast Summary: The Rubin Report – "South Africa’s Collapse Finally Exposed | Rob Hersov"
Release Date: March 6, 2025
Hosts and Guests:
- Host: Dave Rubin
- Guest: Rob Herzov
Introduction to Rob Herzov
In this episode of The Rubin Report, Dave Rubin welcomes Rob Herzov, a prominent South African businessman and activist. Herzov provides a brief background, outlining his journey from a privileged upbringing in South Africa to a successful international career and his eventual return to his homeland as an outspoken critic of the current government.
Notable Quote:
"I'm 64 years old. I'm fifth generation South African and I was born into real wealth in South Africa... In 2017, after 31 years overseas, I went back to South Africa. And in addition to business, I became an accidental activist, a capitalist activist."
— Rob Herzov [01:05]
South Africa’s Declining State Under ANC Governance
Herzov delves into the deteriorating metrics of South Africa over the past three decades under the African National Congress (ANC). He highlights significant declines in health, education, and employment, attributing the country's economic and infrastructural woes to the ineptitude and corruption within the ANC-led government.
Key Points:
- Economic Decline: All state-owned enterprises have faced bankruptcy, including South African Airways and the Eskom Electricity Supply Commission.
- Infrastructure Failures: Persistent load shedding has left the country without electricity for hours daily, and the rail network is in ruins.
- Government Critique: The ANC is described as a "racist, kleptocratic, and ineptocratic" regime that has systematically dismantled South Africa's progress.
Notable Quote:
"But for 30 years, if you look at every single metric, health, education, employment, the country has gone backwards. Every state owned enterprise has been bankrupted... The ANC has destroyed our country. And it is a racist, kleptocratic and ineptocratic government."
— Andy Rubin [00:00]
The Racist Policies of the ANC Government
The conversation shifts to the racial dynamics perpetuated by the current South African government. Herzov asserts that the ANC has enacted numerous race-based laws that disadvantage white South Africans, contributing to systemic racism entrenched within the nation's legal framework.
Key Points:
- Race-Based Legislation: Herzov mentions "140 race based laws in South Africa, all anti-white," emphasizing the government's targeted policies against white citizens.
- Expropriation Without Compensation: A recent law signed by President Cyril Ramaphosa allows for the expropriation of property without compensation, further marginalizing white landowners and businesses.
- Impact on Business: These laws create an inhospitable environment for businesses, stifling economic growth and entrepreneurship.
Notable Quotes:
"140 Race based laws in South Africa, all anti white. And eight days ago, Cyril Ramaphosa, our president, signed into law and just hear these three words, expropriation without compensation... it's anti white race based and make it almost impossible for businesses to thrive."
— Rob Herzov [03:55]
"I liken it to having a loaded gun in the bedroom with kids running around. At some point somebody's gonna pull the trigger and that's what this law is."
— Rob Herzov [05:48]
Economic Crisis and Unemployment
Herzov paints a grim picture of South Africa's economic state, citing less than 1% economic growth and an unemployment rate soaring to 40%. These statistics underscore the urgent need for comprehensive economic reform and external intervention to avert further decline.
Key Points:
- Stagnant Growth: The economy is struggling with negligible growth, failing to create adequate employment opportunities.
- Unemployment Rate: At 40%, unemployment is depicted as one of the highest in the world, exacerbating social and economic instability.
- Need for Leadership: Herzov calls for transformative leadership, akin to figures like Donald Trump, to spearhead the necessary changes.
Notable Quote:
"We're at less than 1% economic growth, less than 1% and we have the highest unemployment in the world. 40%. 40% to unsustainable."
— Rob Herzov [06:32]
Call for External Intervention and Solutions
Herzov emphasizes that internal mechanisms within South Africa may be insufficient to reverse the nation's decline. He advocates for external pressure, particularly from the United States and influential figures like former President Donald Trump, to enact meaningful change.
Key Points:
- Awaiting 2029 Elections: While internal change is uncertain, Herzov remains pessimistic about the government's ability to reform before the next national elections.
- American Support: He urges the U.S. to take a more active role in pressuring the ANC government through sanctions and other measures.
- Targeted Measures: Suggestions include placing ANC leaders on terrorist lists, banning their bank accounts, and maximizing diplomatic pressure to isolate South Africa economically and politically.
Notable Quotes:
"He needs to, and I'm very grateful he's focused on us and I want to thank all the Americans for this. He needs to force the ANC government to reverse these racial laws."
— Rob Herzov [07:06]
"They need to focus on sanctions. And please put all the bad guys, the leaders of the ANC... put them on the terrorist list, put them on the no travel list, ban their bank accounts."
— Rob Herzov [07:35]
Impact on Technology and Global Business
The restrictive laws have broader implications, including the hindrance of technological advancements and global business operations within South Africa. Herzov cites the absence of Elon Musk's Starlink in the country as a direct consequence of enforced black ownership requirements for businesses.
Key Points:
- Starlink Absence: Due to laws mandating 30% black ownership, companies like Elon Musk's Starlink are hesitant to operate in South Africa.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Despite the challenges, South Africa is home to some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, such as Elon Musk, Patrick Sue, and Chong.
- Brain Drain: Herzov acknowledges the loss of top talent and entrepreneurs, attributing it to the hostile business environment fostered by the ANC government.
Notable Quotes:
"They need to reverse these racial laws. Do you know that most African countries have Starlink? ELON musk starlink we don't because we have a law that every business in South Africa has to have 30% black ownership."
— Rob Herzov [07:35]
"The two richest people in Los Angeles are South African born Elon, Musk, Patrick sue and Chong. We are the best entrepreneurs."
— Rob Herzov [08:42]
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with Herzov expressing gratitude towards America for its attention and potential support. He underscores the necessity for sustained pressure on the ANC government to implement reforms that can steer South Africa away from economic ruin and racial discord.
Notable Quotes:
"So every piece of pressure America and Trump can put on South Africa I think they need to do but need to go way further than tariffs and canceling AGOA agreements. They need to focus on sanctions."
— Rob Herzov [07:35]
"Thank you America for everything you're doing. Keep it up, up the pressure, please."
— Rob Herzov [08:48]
Summary
In this insightful episode of The Rubin Report, Rob Herzov provides a compelling critique of South Africa's current socio-political and economic landscape under the ANC government. He details the systemic decline across various sectors, the implementation of anti-white legislation, and the dire economic indicators that signal an impending crisis. Herzov advocates for robust external intervention, particularly from the United States, to instigate necessary reforms and prevent further deterioration of the nation. His passionate appeal underscores the urgent need for leadership and global support to restore South Africa's prosperity and uphold the principles of free speech and meritocracy.