Zille, Running in Parks, and How the ANC Made an Enemy of the Middle Classes

This weekend, DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille participated in a parkrun in Johannesburg, which made a lot of sense, as there is nothing that better shows the multiracial melting pot that South Africa’s middle class is becoming.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

-

3.8.2026

Five Hundred ANC Councillors Could Be Unemployed After November

POLITICS DESK -

3.8.2026

Just How Dangerous Is a South African Farm? We Ran the Numbers

NEWS DESK -

3.8.2026

Young Africans Like Trump Even Though They Do Not Trust Him

WARWICK GREY -

3.8.2026

Revisiting the SARS Rogue Unit

GABRIEL MAKIN

-

3.8.2026

What Colombia’s New President Means for South Africa

BENJI SHULMAN

- 2.8.2026

Dispatch from Washington

RICHARD TREN

- 2.8.2026

The Empire Strikes Back

GREG MILLS

- 2.8.2026

The Mad Attack on FM and Currency

SIMON LINCOLN READER

- 2.8.2026

IDAC Captured, Fauci's Diaries Exposed, and the Secret War Under South Africa

GABRIEL MAKIN

- 1.8.2026

DAVID ANSARA

The Case Against the Expropriation Act

David Ansara writes on the legal battle against expropriation without compensation.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Washington’s Crass Read of South Africa Gets It Wrong

It is becoming harder to think that Washington understands South Africa as badly as its policies towards the country suggest.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

The Rand This Week Showed the Price SA Pays When the Reserve Bank Screws Up

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

The Common Sense’s Diary

WANDILE SIHLOBO

Southern Africa Must Avoid Agricultural Trade Friction and Focus on Collaboration

KALLIE KRIEL

AfriForum Responds to News24 Witch Hunt: This Is What AfriForum Achieves with R22.6 Million a Month

SHRTS

VIEW ALL

PLLING

VIEW ALL

Canada and Mexico Rate China Above the US

Both Canadians and Mexicans view China more favourably than the United States.

STAFF WRITER

Views on the China and US Threat

Canada sees the US as a bigger threat than China; the UK and Australia see China as a bigger threat than the US.

STAFF WRITER

What South Africans Want from Foreign Policy

Poll data show South Africans are marginally more like to align against the West than with it.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Polling Reveals Why the DA (Through Tony Leon) Was Targeted

Both nationally and in Johannesburg, voters are more inclined to associate the DA than the ANC with the idea of clean governance.

WARWICK GREY

More Than Half of Americans View NATO Favourably

In addition, a majority of people in most countries surveyed have a favourable view of the military alliance.

STAFF WRITER

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

The Common Sense, in partnership with the Social Research Foundation, measured voter opinion in three of South Africa’s metros — Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini. In each, respondents were asked whether the ANC and the DA were performing very well, quite well, quite poorly, or very poorly in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

New polling from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan US research organisation that tracks public attitudes and social trends, shows that working parents are struggling to keep family life and working life apart.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Social Research Foundation polling conducted in the first quarter asked registered voters in Gauteng which party they would support if local government elections were held today. The Gauteng sample is smaller than the national sample, meaning the provincial margin of error is higher and the results should be interpreted as a rough indication of support levels rather than a precise estimate of electoral outcomes.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

A recent report reveals contrasting trends in youth happiness across Eastern Europe and wealthy Western nations. While Eastern European youth report increased life satisfaction, their Western counterparts face declines.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Canada and Mexico Rate China Above the US

Both Canadians and Mexicans view China more favourably than the United States.

STAFF WRITER

Views on the China and US Threat

Canada sees the US as a bigger threat than China; the UK and Australia see China as a bigger threat than the US.

STAFF WRITER

What South Africans Want from Foreign Policy

Poll data show South Africans are marginally more like to align against the West than with it.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Polling Reveals Why the DA (Through Tony Leon) Was Targeted

Both nationally and in Johannesburg, voters are more inclined to associate the DA than the ANC with the idea of clean governance.

WARWICK GREY

More Than Half of Americans View NATO Favourably

In addition, a majority of people in most countries surveyed have a favourable view of the military alliance.

STAFF WRITER

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

The Common Sense, in partnership with the Social Research Foundation, measured voter opinion in three of South Africa’s metros — Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini. In each, respondents were asked whether the ANC and the DA were performing very well, quite well, quite poorly, or very poorly in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

New polling from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan US research organisation that tracks public attitudes and social trends, shows that working parents are struggling to keep family life and working life apart.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Social Research Foundation polling conducted in the first quarter asked registered voters in Gauteng which party they would support if local government elections were held today. The Gauteng sample is smaller than the national sample, meaning the provincial margin of error is higher and the results should be interpreted as a rough indication of support levels rather than a precise estimate of electoral outcomes.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

A recent report reveals contrasting trends in youth happiness across Eastern Europe and wealthy Western nations. While Eastern European youth report increased life satisfaction, their Western counterparts face declines.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Canada and Mexico Rate China Above the US

Both Canadians and Mexicans view China more favourably than the United States.

STAFF WRITER

Views on the China and US Threat

Canada sees the US as a bigger threat than China; the UK and Australia see China as a bigger threat than the US.

STAFF WRITER

What South Africans Want from Foreign Policy

Poll data show South Africans are marginally more like to align against the West than with it.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Polling Reveals Why the DA (Through Tony Leon) Was Targeted

Both nationally and in Johannesburg, voters are more inclined to associate the DA than the ANC with the idea of clean governance.

WARWICK GREY

More Than Half of Americans View NATO Favourably

In addition, a majority of people in most countries surveyed have a favourable view of the military alliance.

STAFF WRITER

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

The Common Sense, in partnership with the Social Research Foundation, measured voter opinion in three of South Africa’s metros — Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini. In each, respondents were asked whether the ANC and the DA were performing very well, quite well, quite poorly, or very poorly in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

New polling from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan US research organisation that tracks public attitudes and social trends, shows that working parents are struggling to keep family life and working life apart.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Social Research Foundation polling conducted in the first quarter asked registered voters in Gauteng which party they would support if local government elections were held today. The Gauteng sample is smaller than the national sample, meaning the provincial margin of error is higher and the results should be interpreted as a rough indication of support levels rather than a precise estimate of electoral outcomes.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

A recent report reveals contrasting trends in youth happiness across Eastern Europe and wealthy Western nations. While Eastern European youth report increased life satisfaction, their Western counterparts face declines.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Canada and Mexico Rate China Above the US

Both Canadians and Mexicans view China more favourably than the United States.

STAFF WRITER

Views on the China and US Threat

Canada sees the US as a bigger threat than China; the UK and Australia see China as a bigger threat than the US.

STAFF WRITER

What South Africans Want from Foreign Policy

Poll data show South Africans are marginally more like to align against the West than with it.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Polling Reveals Why the DA (Through Tony Leon) Was Targeted

Both nationally and in Johannesburg, voters are more inclined to associate the DA than the ANC with the idea of clean governance.

WARWICK GREY

More Than Half of Americans View NATO Favourably

In addition, a majority of people in most countries surveyed have a favourable view of the military alliance.

STAFF WRITER

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

The Common Sense, in partnership with the Social Research Foundation, measured voter opinion in three of South Africa’s metros — Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini. In each, respondents were asked whether the ANC and the DA were performing very well, quite well, quite poorly, or very poorly in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

New polling from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan US research organisation that tracks public attitudes and social trends, shows that working parents are struggling to keep family life and working life apart.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Social Research Foundation polling conducted in the first quarter asked registered voters in Gauteng which party they would support if local government elections were held today. The Gauteng sample is smaller than the national sample, meaning the provincial margin of error is higher and the results should be interpreted as a rough indication of support levels rather than a precise estimate of electoral outcomes.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

A recent report reveals contrasting trends in youth happiness across Eastern Europe and wealthy Western nations. While Eastern European youth report increased life satisfaction, their Western counterparts face declines.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

VIDES

VIEW ALL

Revisiting the SARS Rogue Unit

THE COMMON SENSE

-

3.8.2026

South Africa's Underground Fight Against The Zama Zamas

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.7.2026

This Western Cape Town Is About To Be Destroyed. Why Is the DA Letting This happen?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.7.2026

How El Nino Could Trigger Droughts and Food Crises Across Southern Africa.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

21.7.2026

The China Debt Crisis No One Sees Coming

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.7.2026

Revisiting the SARS Rogue Unit

THE COMMON SENSE

-

3.8.2026

South Africa's Underground Fight Against The Zama Zamas

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.7.2026

This Western Cape Town Is About To Be Destroyed. Why Is the DA Letting This happen?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.7.2026

How El Nino Could Trigger Droughts and Food Crises Across Southern Africa.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

21.7.2026

The China Debt Crisis No One Sees Coming

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.7.2026

Scenarios: SA in 2034

South Africa in 2034: The Latest Scenarios

Advisory firm Frans Cronje Private Clients, in conjunction with The Common Sense, sketches three political scenarios for South Africa between today and 2034 each of which delivers a very different set of economic outcomes.

FRANS CRONJE AND BHEKI MAHLOBO

-

31.7.2026

Why South Africa is Too Uncertain Now for Forecast

STAFF WRITER

South Africa’s Path Back to a 4% Rate of Economic Growth

ECONOMICS DESK

The ANC Can Get Back to a Majority – and Democratically Too

POLITICS DESK

This is What Will Happen to South Africa by 2034 (We Are Almost Sure)

STAFF WRITER

Why South Africa is Too Uncertain Now for Forecast

STAFF WRITER

South Africa’s Path Back to a 4% Rate of Economic Growth

ECONOMICS DESK

The ANC Can Get Back to a Majority – and Democratically Too

POLITICS DESK

This is What Will Happen to South Africa by 2034 (We Are Almost Sure)

STAFF WRITER

PLITICS

VIEW ALL

Five Hundred ANC Councillors Could Be Unemployed After November

The ANC patronage machine could suffer a significant blow in the November election, with the potential loss of hundreds of councillors.

POLITICS DESK

Just How Dangerous Is a South African Farm? We Ran the Numbers

NEWS DESK

South Africa's Multilingual Policy Has Produced an English-Speaking State

STAFF WRITER

New Think Tank Pledges to Drive Decolonialisation and Promote “Black Agency”

STAFF WRITER

When Policy Meets Reality: Illegal Firearms and the Failure of Gun Control

STAFF WRITER

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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

-

20.6.2026

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 10 Dead in 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 10 Dead in Illicit Mining Hotspot

STAFF WRITER

GLBAL

VIEW ALL

Young Africans Like Trump Even Though They Do Not Trust Him

Young Africans are unexpectedly optimistic about Donald Trump’s second presidency, even though most believe his administration would break international law to secure the continent’s resources.

WARWICK GREY

The Chinese Are Keeping Dogs – Posing a New Threat to Beijing

FOREIGN DESK

Terrorist Attacks on Berlin Pride a Warning About Terror Groups in Europe

STAFF WRITER

Does a Chinese Takeover of Taiwan Pose a Real Risk to the West's AI Industry?

RAPHAEL REHBOCK

Is This the Endgame for Israel?

FOREIGN DESK

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

IDAC Captured, Fauci's Diaries Exposed, and the Secret War Under South Africa

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.8.2026

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel's Defence Against The Critics

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.8.2026

The Southern African Trade Problem – Wandile Sihlobo Explains

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.7.2026

Seven Prime Ministers In 10 Years, How Did The UK Get Here?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.7.2026

IDAC Captured, Fauci's Diaries Exposed, and the Secret War Under South Africa

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.8.2026

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel's Defence Against The Critics

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.8.2026

The Southern African Trade Problem – Wandile Sihlobo Explains

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.7.2026

Seven Prime Ministers In 10 Years, How Did The UK Get Here?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.7.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

Just How Dangerous Is a South African Farm? We Ran the Numbers

South African farming households are attacked at roughly twice the rate of households in the general population and farmers are nearly seven times more likely to be killed in the attack than the national average.

NEWS DESK

SA May Be Looking East but Its Visitors Come from the West

ECONOMICS DESK

When Policy Meets Reality: Illegal Firearms and the Failure of Gun Control

STAFF WRITER

For a Long Time, the ANC did Deliver

NEWS DESK

The Chinese Are Keeping Dogs – Posing a New Threat to Beijing

FOREIGN DESK

LFE

Johannesburg's Air Quality Problem

Johannesburg's residents are slowly being poisoned by the air they breathe.

STAFF WRITER

Johannesburg's Air Quality Problem

The Forgotten Man Behind the Union Buildings

Beyond Mars and the Next Frontier of Space Exploration

SPRTS

Afrikaners & The Rules Behind Schoolboy Rugby Quotas

A reader challenged The Common Sense’s argument that the Paul Roos v Paarl Gim rugby derby is a far more accurate reflection of school sport than the impression created by the Bokkieweek tournament last week.

STAFF WRITER