Rob Hersov: Black voters are shifting focus as ANC loses ground

South African businessman and outspoken government critic Rob Hersov has highlighted a growing shift among black voters away from the ANC, suggesting this political transition could redefine the country’s ideological landscape.

Speaking during an appearance on Biz News TV, Hersov argued that many South Africans are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the ruling party.

“We also have to acknowledge that many black South Africans have stopped voting for the ANC already. Their heads are up and they are looking around. They are looking for an alternative and the alternative is not the MK or the EFF,” Hersov said.

He added that while the MK Party may pose some short-term threat, it remains unstable: “MK is 15% is a threat but they are stabbing each other in the backs at the moment and we have to take advantage of that. The EFF is falling apart, it’s going to end up with Julius going nowhere.”

While he has frequently condemned the ANC’s leadership and policies, Hersov acknowledged that the party had once made meaningful progress.

“So we have to give the ANC some credit or we’re going to lose the idiology battle and this is a battle about idiology,” he said, noting that up until 2012, the party had made tangible improvements in the lives of the poor. Since then, however, he claims corruption and incompetence have taken over.

Hersov discusses BEE, merit, and inequality

Shifting the conversation to broader socio-economic dynamics, Hersov sparked controversy by stating that historical advantages continue to place white South Africans ahead.

“White South Africans excel in academics and competition and what we need therefore to understand and acknowledge that competing with us on merit remains a scary prospect that most black South Africans won’t support. It’s hard to say that. And it’s also hard to say we seem to be surviving BEE,” Hersov said.

A frequent critic of the Expropriation Bill, Hersov argues that such policies discourage foreign investment and harm South Africa’s global standing.

Last month, he also voiced his support for the US government reducing aid to South Africa, following reports of a sanctions list targeting over 40 local politicians and radical figures.