Shadow Economy Threatens SA’s Security

South Africa’s illicit economy has grown into a shadow state “that competes with the legitimate state for money, power, and authority”.

NEWS DESK

-

10.6.2026

Who Is Funding Rise Mzansi?

POLITICS DESK -

10.6.2026

Burnham Leading in By-Election Poll

FOREIGN DESK -

10.6.2026

Ekurhuleni “Epicentre” of Gangster State – Hill-Lewis

POLITICS DESK -

10.6.2026

More Than Ten Dead at Illicit Mining Hotspot

STAFF WRITER -

10.6.2026

Can the DA Govern South Africa Better Than the ANC Has?

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 10.6.2026

Is Direct Democracy The Solution To The Looming Global Debt Crisis?

RW JOHNSON

- 10.6.2026

Does Being Cold Make People More Violent?

WARWICK GREY

- 10.6.2026

Sakeliga Strikes Blow Against BEE

STAFF WRITER

- 10.6.2026

School Capture: The Hidden Activist Takeover of SA Education | Richard Wilkinson

GABRIEL MAKIN

- 10.6.2026

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

The Common Sense’s Diary: Have We Reached Peak CR?

Ramaphosa identifies the problem, he calls for something to be done, we are past peak CR now, and peak Trump, what about peak DA, and what happens if South Africa passes both peak ANC and peak DA?

FRANS CRONJE

What Foreign Investors are Being Told About South Africa’s Next Two Years

The upshot is this, “Mr Ramaphosa hangs on, fixed investment remains in the 15% zone, and growth necessarily therefore in the 1% rut, and the enclave phenomenon deepens, establishing a very interesting emerging market that causes South Africa to remain broadly stable in the relative sense of the thing.”

RW JOHNSON

The Battle for the Cities

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

DAVID ANSARA

Set Jo’burg free

SIMON LINCOLN READER

What Game is the DA Playing?

SHRTS

VIEW ALL

PLLING

VIEW ALL

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

A recent Gallup poll reveals that companies adopting AI are both hiring and firing more employees. This indicates a significant shift in workforce dynamics.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

Half of employed American adults — 50% — now say they use AI in their role

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC as Accountable as the DA

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked registered South African voters which political party they most associate with the phrase “provides accountability,” regardless of whom they currently support. This analysis focuses on the ANC, DA, and EFF, both overall and among Black registered voters.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Rated More Positively Than FF+ in GNU Polling

Social Research Foundation polling shows that voters rate the Democratic Alliance more positively than the Freedom Front Plus in the Government of National Unity.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

YouGov polling conducted from 19 to 20 May 2026 asked United Kingdom (UK) adults which types of media they consume regularly, meaning at least once a week. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2 130 UK adults aged 18 and over.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked voters in Tshwane how they think service delivery would change if each party governed the municipality by itself, not in a coalition. Respondents could say the service would greatly improve, somewhat improve, stay the same, somewhat worsen, or greatly worsen.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

The Economist/YouGov polling conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked US adults whether they think the construction of new data centers — large facilities housing computer servers for storing and transmitting data — are good or bad for the country. Respondents could say very good, somewhat good, neither good nor bad, somewhat bad, very bad, or don’t know.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Americans Disapprove Of Trump’s Handling Of Iran

The Economist/YouGov poll conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked U.S. adults whether they approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling the situation in Iran.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Majority Of Britons Want Defence Spending Increased

YouGov polling conducted in late April 2026 asked adults in Great Britain whether they think defence spending should be increased, decreased, or remain at about its current level.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

A recent Gallup poll reveals that companies adopting AI are both hiring and firing more employees. This indicates a significant shift in workforce dynamics.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

Half of employed American adults — 50% — now say they use AI in their role

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC as Accountable as the DA

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked registered South African voters which political party they most associate with the phrase “provides accountability,” regardless of whom they currently support. This analysis focuses on the ANC, DA, and EFF, both overall and among Black registered voters.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Rated More Positively Than FF+ in GNU Polling

Social Research Foundation polling shows that voters rate the Democratic Alliance more positively than the Freedom Front Plus in the Government of National Unity.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

YouGov polling conducted from 19 to 20 May 2026 asked United Kingdom (UK) adults which types of media they consume regularly, meaning at least once a week. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2 130 UK adults aged 18 and over.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked voters in Tshwane how they think service delivery would change if each party governed the municipality by itself, not in a coalition. Respondents could say the service would greatly improve, somewhat improve, stay the same, somewhat worsen, or greatly worsen.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

The Economist/YouGov polling conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked US adults whether they think the construction of new data centers — large facilities housing computer servers for storing and transmitting data — are good or bad for the country. Respondents could say very good, somewhat good, neither good nor bad, somewhat bad, very bad, or don’t know.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Americans Disapprove Of Trump’s Handling Of Iran

The Economist/YouGov poll conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked U.S. adults whether they approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling the situation in Iran.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Majority Of Britons Want Defence Spending Increased

YouGov polling conducted in late April 2026 asked adults in Great Britain whether they think defence spending should be increased, decreased, or remain at about its current level.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

A recent Gallup poll reveals that companies adopting AI are both hiring and firing more employees. This indicates a significant shift in workforce dynamics.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

Half of employed American adults — 50% — now say they use AI in their role

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC as Accountable as the DA

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked registered South African voters which political party they most associate with the phrase “provides accountability,” regardless of whom they currently support. This analysis focuses on the ANC, DA, and EFF, both overall and among Black registered voters.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Rated More Positively Than FF+ in GNU Polling

Social Research Foundation polling shows that voters rate the Democratic Alliance more positively than the Freedom Front Plus in the Government of National Unity.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

YouGov polling conducted from 19 to 20 May 2026 asked United Kingdom (UK) adults which types of media they consume regularly, meaning at least once a week. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2 130 UK adults aged 18 and over.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked voters in Tshwane how they think service delivery would change if each party governed the municipality by itself, not in a coalition. Respondents could say the service would greatly improve, somewhat improve, stay the same, somewhat worsen, or greatly worsen.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

The Economist/YouGov polling conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked US adults whether they think the construction of new data centers — large facilities housing computer servers for storing and transmitting data — are good or bad for the country. Respondents could say very good, somewhat good, neither good nor bad, somewhat bad, very bad, or don’t know.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Americans Disapprove Of Trump’s Handling Of Iran

The Economist/YouGov poll conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked U.S. adults whether they approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling the situation in Iran.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Majority Of Britons Want Defence Spending Increased

YouGov polling conducted in late April 2026 asked adults in Great Britain whether they think defence spending should be increased, decreased, or remain at about its current level.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

A recent Gallup poll reveals that companies adopting AI are both hiring and firing more employees. This indicates a significant shift in workforce dynamics.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

Half of employed American adults — 50% — now say they use AI in their role

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC as Accountable as the DA

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked registered South African voters which political party they most associate with the phrase “provides accountability,” regardless of whom they currently support. This analysis focuses on the ANC, DA, and EFF, both overall and among Black registered voters.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Rated More Positively Than FF+ in GNU Polling

Social Research Foundation polling shows that voters rate the Democratic Alliance more positively than the Freedom Front Plus in the Government of National Unity.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

YouGov polling conducted from 19 to 20 May 2026 asked United Kingdom (UK) adults which types of media they consume regularly, meaning at least once a week. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2 130 UK adults aged 18 and over.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked voters in Tshwane how they think service delivery would change if each party governed the municipality by itself, not in a coalition. Respondents could say the service would greatly improve, somewhat improve, stay the same, somewhat worsen, or greatly worsen.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

The Economist/YouGov polling conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked US adults whether they think the construction of new data centers — large facilities housing computer servers for storing and transmitting data — are good or bad for the country. Respondents could say very good, somewhat good, neither good nor bad, somewhat bad, very bad, or don’t know.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Americans Disapprove Of Trump’s Handling Of Iran

The Economist/YouGov poll conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked U.S. adults whether they approve or disapprove of the way Donald Trump is handling the situation in Iran.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Majority Of Britons Want Defence Spending Increased

YouGov polling conducted in late April 2026 asked adults in Great Britain whether they think defence spending should be increased, decreased, or remain at about its current level.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

VIDES

VIEW ALL

Data Centres Are Fantastic, Do Not Believe The Lies

THE COMMON SENSE

-

5.6.2026

Taking Over Jo'burg Could Destroy the DA, Here's Why

THE COMMON SENSE

-

2.6.2026

Where Did the Cash in Ramaphosa's Couch Come From?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.5.2026

This Is How The Iran War Ends

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.5.2026

Ramaphosa's Delusional Defense Of BEE

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.5.2026

Data Centres Are Fantastic, Do Not Believe The Lies

THE COMMON SENSE

-

5.6.2026

Taking Over Jo'burg Could Destroy the DA, Here's Why

THE COMMON SENSE

-

2.6.2026

Where Did the Cash in Ramaphosa's Couch Come From?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.5.2026

This Is How The Iran War Ends

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.5.2026

Ramaphosa's Delusional Defense Of BEE

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.5.2026

SA's Illicit Economy

Shadow State Rising

This Common Sense Special Report looks at Illicit economic activity in South Africa and the threat it poses to the economic, social, and political stability of the country.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

10.6.2026

How a Parallel Illicit Economy Threatens National Security

STAFF WRITER

Illegal Mining Threatens SA Mining Industry

STAFF WRITER

Shadow Economy Threatens SA’s Security

NEWS DESK

More Than Ten Dead at Illicit Mining Hotspot

STAFF WRITER

How a Parallel Illicit Economy Threatens National Security

STAFF WRITER

Illegal Mining Threatens SA Mining Industry

STAFF WRITER

Shadow Economy Threatens SA’s Security

NEWS DESK

More Than Ten Dead at Illicit Mining Hotspot

STAFF WRITER

PLITICS

VIEW ALL

Shadow Economy Threatens SA’s Security

South Africa’s illicit economy has grown into a shadow state “that competes with the legitimate state for money, power, and authority”.

NEWS DESK

Who Is Funding Rise Mzansi?

POLITICS DESK

Ekurhuleni “Epicentre” of Gangster State – Hill-Lewis

POLITICS DESK

More Than Ten Dead at Illicit Mining Hotspot

STAFF WRITER

Does Being Cold Make People More Violent?

WARWICK GREY

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The War on Iran

The War in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz: Six Scenarios and How They Will Shape the Global Economy

In this Special Report, The Common Sense sets out six detailed scenarios for the war in Iran together with the global and market implications.

FRANS CRONJE

-

3.6.2026

US and Iran Still on Track for Deal to Drop Oil Prices

STAFF WRITER

SA Petrol Price Could Fall Steeply as War Premium Fades

ECONOMICS DESK

Iran War Risks Overstated from Day One

STAFF WRITER

This Is How The Iran War Ends

FRANS CRONJE

US and Iran Still on Track for Deal to Drop Oil Prices

STAFF WRITER

SA Petrol Price Could Fall Steeply as War Premium Fades

ECONOMICS DESK

Iran War Risks Overstated from Day One

STAFF WRITER

This Is How The Iran War Ends

FRANS CRONJE

GLBAL

VIEW ALL

Burnham Leading in By-Election Poll

The right-wing vote is likely to be split, which could give Burnham victory.

FOREIGN DESK

South African Official Among Those Mentioned in Concerning UN Watchdog Report

NEWS DESK

African Countries Have Favourable Views of Israel Compared to Europe

STAFF WRITER

Back to the Future: British Voters Prefer Blair to Starmer

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

US Military Withdraws Recognition of Dozens of Religions

FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUREAU

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

School Capture: The Hidden Activist Takeover of SA Education | Richard Wilkinson

THE COMMON SENSE

-

10.6.2026

No Factories, No Votes, No Accountability, South Africa and the West Are Failing the Same Way

THE COMMON SENSE

-

8.6.2026

Frans Cronje: Is South Africa Heading For Riots This Winter? (Here's The Data)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

4.6.2026

South Africa's Free Speech Crisis: Why the Law Protects Some, Not Others: Advocate Mark Oppenheimer

THE COMMON SENSE

-

4.6.2026

School Capture: The Hidden Activist Takeover of SA Education | Richard Wilkinson

THE COMMON SENSE

-

10.6.2026

No Factories, No Votes, No Accountability, South Africa and the West Are Failing the Same Way

THE COMMON SENSE

-

8.6.2026

Frans Cronje: Is South Africa Heading For Riots This Winter? (Here's The Data)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

4.6.2026

South Africa's Free Speech Crisis: Why the Law Protects Some, Not Others: Advocate Mark Oppenheimer

THE COMMON SENSE

-

4.6.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

Shadow Economy Threatens SA’s Security

South Africa’s illicit economy has grown into a shadow state “that competes with the legitimate state for money, power, and authority”.

NEWS DESK

Sakeliga Strikes Blow Against BEE

STAFF WRITER

Marginal GDP Growth in First Quarter

ECON DESK

Middle Class Torpedoed - Model C Schools To Lose Ability to Screen Pupils

STAFF WRITER

Today’s GDP Number is About Something More Important Than Low Growth

BHEKI MAHLOBO

LFE

Beyond Mars and the Next Frontier of Space Exploration

Much of the solar system is horribly uninhabitable for humans.

RW JOHNSON

Beyond Mars and the Next Frontier of Space Exploration

On to Mars

Fly Me to the Moon

SPRTS

Bafana Bafana’s Unlikely Journey to Win the FIFA World Cup

Three routes through an expanded 48-team group stage: we use the world rankings to predict who waits in each round.

SPORTS DESK