The ANC Still Has a Way Back

The ANC is wounded but not slain. Frans Cronje tells The Common Sense that a narrow path remains open to saving the movement.

POLITICS DESK

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11.8.2026

The Common Sense’s Diary – The People Know Better Than The Elites

THE EDITORIAL BOARD -

11.8.2026

The DA and the FF Plus Could Govern Tshwane Together

WARWICK GREY -

11.8.2026

South Africa Could Halve Unemployment by Taking This Electricity Decision

BHEKI MAHLOBO -

11.8.2026

ANC at 34%, the Third Force Returns, Jason Arday, News24's IDAC Apology.

THE TALKING SENSE PODCAST -

10.8.2026

ANC Falls to Third in eThekwini

WARWICK GREY

- 10.8.2026

The SAPS Amendment Bill Must Do More Than Modernise an Old Law

IAN CAMERON

- 10.8.2026

South African Voters Back the GNU, But Say Their Quality of Life Has Not Improved

STAFF WRITER

- 10.8.2026

82% Of South Africans Want Ramaphosa Removed.

FRANS CRONJE

- 9.8.2026

Is the “Third Force” Back – And Driving Political Change in South Africa?

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 9.8.2026

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

Richard Tren writes on the view from Washington on the latest global developments.

SIMON LINCOLN READER

Time For a Crowdfunded Inquiry Into the Media

Simon Lincoln Reader writes on how much of the SA media gets played by nefarious elements in our politics.

DAVID ANSARA

Property Rights Have Their Day in Court

WANDILE SIHLOBO

We Must Deepen Intra-BRICS Agricultural Trade

GREG MILLS

The Empire Strikes Back

SIMON LINCOLN READER

The Mad Attack on FM and Currency

SHRTS

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PLLING

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Support for Political Parties in Johannesburg

We asked Johannesburg voters who they would back if an election were held today, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Views of the Supreme Court split sharply along party lines

Just a quarter of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view the US Supreme Court favourably, one of the lowest ratings from either party since Pew began asking the question in 1987. Republicans remain far more positive at 69%, though that too is down from its 2019 peak. Overall favourability has fallen 20 points since April 2021.

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

Support for Political Parties in Johannesburg

We asked Johannesburg voters who they would back if an election were held today, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Views of the Supreme Court split sharply along party lines

Just a quarter of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view the US Supreme Court favourably, one of the lowest ratings from either party since Pew began asking the question in 1987. Republicans remain far more positive at 69%, though that too is down from its 2019 peak. Overall favourability has fallen 20 points since April 2021.

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

Support for Political Parties in Johannesburg

We asked Johannesburg voters who they would back if an election were held today, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Views of the Supreme Court split sharply along party lines

Just a quarter of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view the US Supreme Court favourably, one of the lowest ratings from either party since Pew began asking the question in 1987. Republicans remain far more positive at 69%, though that too is down from its 2019 peak. Overall favourability has fallen 20 points since April 2021.

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

Support for Political Parties in Johannesburg

We asked Johannesburg voters who they would back if an election were held today, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Views of the Supreme Court split sharply along party lines

Just a quarter of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view the US Supreme Court favourably, one of the lowest ratings from either party since Pew began asking the question in 1987. Republicans remain far more positive at 69%, though that too is down from its 2019 peak. Overall favourability has fallen 20 points since April 2021.

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

VIDES

VIEW ALL

82% Of South Africans Want Ramaphosa Removed.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

9.8.2026

The Public Has Stopped Believing In The GNU

THE COMMON SENSE

-

7.8.2026

The ANC Is Now Below 50% With Every Group That Built It.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

7.8.2026

The ANC Is Down to 18% in Johannesburg (Our New Polls Are Out)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

6.8.2026

The ANC is in "classic decline" and cannot stop it (our new polling reveals).

THE COMMON SENSE

-

5.8.2026

82% Of South Africans Want Ramaphosa Removed.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

9.8.2026

The Public Has Stopped Believing In The GNU

THE COMMON SENSE

-

7.8.2026

The ANC Is Now Below 50% With Every Group That Built It.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

7.8.2026

The ANC Is Down to 18% in Johannesburg (Our New Polls Are Out)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

6.8.2026

The ANC is in "classic decline" and cannot stop it (our new polling reveals).

THE COMMON SENSE

-

5.8.2026

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

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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

The ANC Still Has a Way Back

The ANC is wounded but not slain. Frans Cronje tells The Common Sense that a narrow path remains open to saving the movement.

POLITICS DESK

The DA and the FF Plus Could Govern Tshwane Together

WARWICK GREY

ANC Falls to Third in eThekwini

WARWICK GREY

South African Voters Back the GNU, But Say Their Quality of Life Has Not Improved

STAFF WRITER

Illegal Immigrants Took the Jobs, say SA Voters

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

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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

ANC at 34%, the Third Force Returns, Jason Arday, News24's IDAC Apology.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

10.8.2026

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

ANC at 34%, the Third Force Returns, Jason Arday, News24's IDAC Apology.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

10.8.2026

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

ECNOMICS

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South Africa Could Halve Unemployment by Taking This Electricity Decision

An analysis by The Common Sense shows that South Africa is much closer to generating enough electricity to grow its economy at 5% than the routinely pessimistic mainstream assessments and analyses suggest.

BHEKI MAHLOBO

The Amazing Story of the Fall and Rise of South Africa’s Government Debt Level

BHEKI MAHLOBO

Six Graphs Show How South Africans Access Healthcare

WARWICK GREY

Rand One of World’s Most Undervalued Currencies

STAFF WRITER

Export Expansion is Crucial for the Long-Term Growth of SA Agriculture

WANDILE SIHLOBO

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