Cape Town – South African businessman and billionaire Rob Hersov has urged young South Africans with opportunities to work or study abroad to take advantage of them, saying international exposure could help them build skills, earn money and develop valuable professional networks.
Hersov shared the advice during an interview on The Relocated South African podcast, released on November 2, 2026, in which he reflected on his 31 years abroad and his eventual return to South Africa.
Hersov believes young people should use opportunities overseas to strengthen their professional and financial prospects before considering returning home.
“If you have the ability to spend some time of your life overseas and get training, make money, and build a network of extraordinary people, you need to go,” he said.
He added that international exposure makes individuals more valuable and better equipped to contribute to their home country.
“Getting that experience overseas makes you a more valuable, connected, and competent person. I encourage it,” Hersov said.
He also encouraged young South Africans to consider returning when they believe the country’s economic and political environment is improving.
“Then come back when you see South Africa turning, which could be relatively soon. Come back and make a difference,” he said.
Hersov’s comments come amid continued debate about emigration, economic opportunities and the country’s ability to retain skilled young professionals.
Having left South Africa in 1985, Hersov built an international career that included working for Goldman Sachs and Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp, before establishing several business ventures.
He returned to South Africa with his family in 2017 after more than three decades abroad.
Despite encouraging young people to explore opportunities elsewhere, Hersov cautioned against assuming that life overseas is necessarily better.
In the podcast interview, he reflected on the challenges of living abroad and reaffirmed his belief in South Africa’s potential.
“There is no place like home, but I’m telling you there’s no place like South Africa,” he said.
Meanwhile, The South African highlighted Hersov’s belief that the country remains worth fighting for despite concerns about governance, economic growth and personal safety.
He has also argued that improved investor confidence and economic conditions could encourage more South Africans living abroad to return, bringing their skills and capital with them.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Screengrab
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
