The Common Sense's Diary

Here we stand – we can do no other: what The Common Sense believes

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

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31.3.2026

Big Jump in Fuel Prices Despite Government Intervention

NEWS DESK -

31.3.2026

DA Seen as Best at Working in Coalitions - Poll

POLLING CORRESPONDENT -

31.3.2026

Prominent Johannesburg Researcher Murdered

NEWS DESK -

31.3.2026

New Leadership Team Elected for Jo’burg DA

POLITICS DESK -

31.3.2026

The Tragedy Of South Africa's Declining Marriage Rate

FRANS CRONJE

- 31.3.2026

Unpacking National Polling Results - The Common Sense Plus (Subscriber Only)

GABRIEL MAKIN

- 30.3.2026

South Africa’s Strength Lies in Unity: Why Institutions Must Amplify Common Ground

FRANS CRONJE

- 30.3.2026

Nearly Three-Quarters of Jo’burgers back ANC-DA Coalition in City

MARIUS ROODT

- 30.3.2026

OECD Expects Global Growth to Remain Resilient, but Inflationary Risks Rise

ECONOMICS DESK

- 30.3.2026

KOOS MALAN

John Steenhuisen and His Circle’s Anti-Constitutionalist and ANC-Light Misbehaviour

Professor Koos Malan critiques John Steenhuisen's ideological shift, warning that his actions could align the DA with ANC-style totalitarianism and undermine the party's constitutionalist values.

ANDRE PIENAAR

The Other Prize of Operation Epic Fury: A New Deal for Iran’s Minorities

Andre Pienaar writes on how Operation Epic Fury may reshape the Middle East, with its most enduring result the potential for autonomy for Iran's ethnic minorities.

RICHARD TREN

Washington Dispatch

SIMON LINCOLN READER

BBBEE and Global Warming – More in Common Than You Think

DAVID ANSARA

Despair (and Hope) in Downtown Johannesburg

FRANS CRONJE

Black or White, ANC or DA, South Africans Fundamentally Trust Each Other and See the Good in Each Other

SHRTS

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PLLING

VIEW ALL

Jo'burgers Think DA Will Improve Services

Most people in Johannesburg have faith in the DA to improve services but does that mean they will win the city?

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

South Africans Like Possible DA-ANC Municipal Coalitions

A potential government of local unity between the ANC and DA is popular among South Africans.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Race For Johannesburg Led By DA

DA leads Jo'burg mayoral race.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Faces Wipeout in eThekwini

The party could win less than 10% of the vote in eThekwini, according to latest polling.

MARIUS ROODT

Is South Africa Heading in the Right Direction

Most South Africans Say Country is on the Wrong Track

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Pressing Issues for South Africans

A brief overview of the key issues currently affecting South Africa.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Frustration with Ramaphosa's Leadership: Can ANC Strengthen by Replacing Him?

Frustration with Ramaphosa's indecisiveness could strengthen ANC support if the party replaces him with a more decisive, reform-focused leader.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

New SRF polling finds Patrice Motsepe has the strongest favourability among three possible ANC leadership contenders, while Mbalula and Mashatile record higher negative ratings.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Leads DA by 11 Points in Latest Poll

Both the ANC and DA poll at close to their May 2024 vote shares.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Jo'burgers Think DA Will Improve Services

Most people in Johannesburg have faith in the DA to improve services but does that mean they will win the city?

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

South Africans Like Possible DA-ANC Municipal Coalitions

A potential government of local unity between the ANC and DA is popular among South Africans.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Race For Johannesburg Led By DA

DA leads Jo'burg mayoral race.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Faces Wipeout in eThekwini

The party could win less than 10% of the vote in eThekwini, according to latest polling.

MARIUS ROODT

Is South Africa Heading in the Right Direction

Most South Africans Say Country is on the Wrong Track

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Pressing Issues for South Africans

A brief overview of the key issues currently affecting South Africa.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Frustration with Ramaphosa's Leadership: Can ANC Strengthen by Replacing Him?

Frustration with Ramaphosa's indecisiveness could strengthen ANC support if the party replaces him with a more decisive, reform-focused leader.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

New SRF polling finds Patrice Motsepe has the strongest favourability among three possible ANC leadership contenders, while Mbalula and Mashatile record higher negative ratings.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Leads DA by 11 Points in Latest Poll

Both the ANC and DA poll at close to their May 2024 vote shares.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Jo'burgers Think DA Will Improve Services

Most people in Johannesburg have faith in the DA to improve services but does that mean they will win the city?

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

South Africans Like Possible DA-ANC Municipal Coalitions

A potential government of local unity between the ANC and DA is popular among South Africans.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Race For Johannesburg Led By DA

DA leads Jo'burg mayoral race.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Faces Wipeout in eThekwini

The party could win less than 10% of the vote in eThekwini, according to latest polling.

MARIUS ROODT

Is South Africa Heading in the Right Direction

Most South Africans Say Country is on the Wrong Track

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Pressing Issues for South Africans

A brief overview of the key issues currently affecting South Africa.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Frustration with Ramaphosa's Leadership: Can ANC Strengthen by Replacing Him?

Frustration with Ramaphosa's indecisiveness could strengthen ANC support if the party replaces him with a more decisive, reform-focused leader.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

New SRF polling finds Patrice Motsepe has the strongest favourability among three possible ANC leadership contenders, while Mbalula and Mashatile record higher negative ratings.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Leads DA by 11 Points in Latest Poll

Both the ANC and DA poll at close to their May 2024 vote shares.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Jo'burgers Think DA Will Improve Services

Most people in Johannesburg have faith in the DA to improve services but does that mean they will win the city?

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

South Africans Like Possible DA-ANC Municipal Coalitions

A potential government of local unity between the ANC and DA is popular among South Africans.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Race For Johannesburg Led By DA

DA leads Jo'burg mayoral race.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Faces Wipeout in eThekwini

The party could win less than 10% of the vote in eThekwini, according to latest polling.

MARIUS ROODT

Is South Africa Heading in the Right Direction

Most South Africans Say Country is on the Wrong Track

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Pressing Issues for South Africans

A brief overview of the key issues currently affecting South Africa.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Frustration with Ramaphosa's Leadership: Can ANC Strengthen by Replacing Him?

Frustration with Ramaphosa's indecisiveness could strengthen ANC support if the party replaces him with a more decisive, reform-focused leader.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

New SRF polling finds Patrice Motsepe has the strongest favourability among three possible ANC leadership contenders, while Mbalula and Mashatile record higher negative ratings.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Leads DA by 11 Points in Latest Poll

Both the ANC and DA poll at close to their May 2024 vote shares.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

VIDES

VIEW ALL

The Tragedy Of South Africa's Declining Marriage Rate

THE COMMON SENSE

-

31.3.2026

Unpacking National Polling Results - The Common Sense Plus (Subscriber Only)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.3.2026

Explaining South Africa's History Of Violent Crime

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.3.2026

Jacob Zuma and What Might Have Been

THE COMMON SENSE

-

26.3.2026

The Tragedy Of South Africa's Declining Marriage Rate

THE COMMON SENSE

-

31.3.2026

Unpacking National Polling Results - The Common Sense Plus (Subscriber Only)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.3.2026

Explaining South Africa's History Of Violent Crime

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.3.2026

Jacob Zuma and What Might Have Been

THE COMMON SENSE

-

26.3.2026

The War on Iran

Oil Risk Recedes as Iran Says Hormuz is Open and Trump Says The End is in Sight

There is some good news for global energy prices after Iran signaled that Hormuz will open to Iran-friendly shipping and a message from Trump pointed to a US exit point from the war.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUREAU

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23.3.2026

Iranian Head of Basji Militia as well as Head of Supreme National Security Council Latest Dominoes to Fall

WARWICK GREY

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

FRANS CRONJE

How America and Israel are Dismantling Iran's Missile Arsenal

REINE OPPERMAN

Why Did The US Decapitate The Iranian Leadership?

FRANS CRONJE

Iranian Head of Basji Militia as well as Head of Supreme National Security Council Latest Dominoes to Fall

WARWICK GREY

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

FRANS CRONJE

How America and Israel are Dismantling Iran's Missile Arsenal

REINE OPPERMAN

Why Did The US Decapitate The Iranian Leadership?

FRANS CRONJE

PLITICS

VIEW ALL

DA Seen as Best at Working in Coalitions - Poll

The Democratic Alliance is seen as best at playing with others, according to the public.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Prominent Johannesburg Researcher Murdered

NEWS DESK

New Leadership Team Elected for Jo’burg DA

POLITICS DESK

Nearly Three-Quarters of Jo’burgers back ANC-DA Coalition in City

MARIUS ROODT

SA MPs Slammed for Backing Terror Tehran

WARWICK GREY

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GLBAL

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Richard Tren provides an in-depth look at Cuba's crumbling political and economic situation. He highlights the self-wrought collapse of its regime, human rights abuses, and the strange leftist alliance that has formed to try rescue this barbaric regime.

RICHARD TREN

US-Iran Peace Talks May End the War – Spooking Gulf States and Israel

STAFF WRITER

London Ambulance Attack Raises Fresh Questions Around Cultural Assimilation in the UK

FOREIGN DESK

Washington's Energy Pivot Offers Africa a New Deal — But South Africa is Not Listening

REINE OPPERMAN

Oil Risk Recedes as Iran Says Hormuz is Open and Trump Says The End is in Sight

FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUREAU

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

Makin Sense of Violent Crime In South Africa, Cuba, Good News For FMD, And New Marriage Statistics

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.3.2026

The New Johannesburg Polls - Helen Zille Interview

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.3.2026

Makin Sense Of New Poll Results, Jacob Zuma, Paul Ehrlich and Singapore

THE COMMON SENSE

-

22.3.2026

Makin Sense of Motsepe

THE COMMON SENSE

-

15.3.2026

Makin Sense of Violent Crime In South Africa, Cuba, Good News For FMD, And New Marriage Statistics

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.3.2026

The New Johannesburg Polls - Helen Zille Interview

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.3.2026

Makin Sense Of New Poll Results, Jacob Zuma, Paul Ehrlich and Singapore

THE COMMON SENSE

-

22.3.2026

Makin Sense of Motsepe

THE COMMON SENSE

-

15.3.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

Big Jump in Fuel Prices Despite Government Intervention

Fuel prices will rise sharply from tomorrow, even after government intervened to limit the increase.

NEWS DESK

OECD Expects Global Growth to Remain Resilient, but Inflationary Risks Rise

ECONOMICS DESK

Provincial, Age Gaps Persist in Access to Private Healthcare Cover

ECONOMICS DESK

SARB Holds Rates at 6.75% Amid Rising Inflation Risks from Iran War

BHEKI MAHLOBO

BEE Puts Huge Costs on SA Economy – Academic

WARWICK GREY

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

IOC Sets New Policy for Female Category in Olympic Sports with Focus on Fairness and Safety

Transgender women may not compete in female categories in the Olympics, a decision that could have far-reaching consequences for sport.

SPORTS WRITER

The Common Sense's Diary

Big Jump in Fuel Prices Despite Government Intervention

DA Seen as Best at Working in Coalitions - Poll

Prominent Johannesburg Researcher Murdered

New Leadership Team Elected for Jo’burg DA

The Tragedy Of South Africa's Declining Marriage Rate

Unpacking National Polling Results - The Common Sense Plus (Subscriber Only)

South Africa’s Strength Lies in Unity: Why Institutions Must Amplify Common Ground

Nearly Three-Quarters of Jo’burgers back ANC-DA Coalition in City

OECD Expects Global Growth to Remain Resilient, but Inflationary Risks Rise

John Steenhuisen and His Circle’s Anti-Constitutionalist and ANC-Light Misbehaviour

The Other Prize of Operation Epic Fury: A New Deal for Iran’s Minorities

Washington Dispatch

BBBEE and Global Warming – More in Common Than You Think

Despair (and Hope) in Downtown Johannesburg

Black or White, ANC or DA, South Africans Fundamentally Trust Each Other and See the Good in Each Other

SHRTS

PLLING

Jo'burgers Think DA Will Improve Services

South Africans Like Possible DA-ANC Municipal Coalitions

Race For Johannesburg Led By DA

ANC Faces Wipeout in eThekwini

Is South Africa Heading in the Right Direction

Most Pressing Issues for South Africans

Frustration with Ramaphosa's Leadership: Can ANC Strengthen by Replacing Him?

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

ANC Leads DA by 11 Points in Latest Poll

Jo'burgers Think DA Will Improve Services

South Africans Like Possible DA-ANC Municipal Coalitions

Race For Johannesburg Led By DA

ANC Faces Wipeout in eThekwini

Is South Africa Heading in the Right Direction

Most Pressing Issues for South Africans

Frustration with Ramaphosa's Leadership: Can ANC Strengthen by Replacing Him?

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

ANC Leads DA by 11 Points in Latest Poll

Jo'burgers Think DA Will Improve Services

South Africans Like Possible DA-ANC Municipal Coalitions

Race For Johannesburg Led By DA

ANC Faces Wipeout in eThekwini

Is South Africa Heading in the Right Direction

Most Pressing Issues for South Africans

Frustration with Ramaphosa's Leadership: Can ANC Strengthen by Replacing Him?

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

ANC Leads DA by 11 Points in Latest Poll

Jo'burgers Think DA Will Improve Services

South Africans Like Possible DA-ANC Municipal Coalitions

Race For Johannesburg Led By DA

ANC Faces Wipeout in eThekwini

Is South Africa Heading in the Right Direction

Most Pressing Issues for South Africans

Frustration with Ramaphosa's Leadership: Can ANC Strengthen by Replacing Him?

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

ANC Leads DA by 11 Points in Latest Poll

VIDES

The Tragedy Of South Africa's Declining Marriage Rate

Unpacking National Polling Results - The Common Sense Plus (Subscriber Only)

Explaining South Africa's History Of Violent Crime

Cuba's Imminent Collapse

Jacob Zuma and What Might Have Been

The Tragedy Of South Africa's Declining Marriage Rate

Unpacking National Polling Results - The Common Sense Plus (Subscriber Only)

Explaining South Africa's History Of Violent Crime

Cuba's Imminent Collapse

Jacob Zuma and What Might Have Been

The War on Iran

Oil Risk Recedes as Iran Says Hormuz is Open and Trump Says The End is in Sight

Iranian Head of Basji Militia as well as Head of Supreme National Security Council Latest Dominoes to Fall

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

How America and Israel are Dismantling Iran's Missile Arsenal

Why Did The US Decapitate The Iranian Leadership?

Iranian Head of Basji Militia as well as Head of Supreme National Security Council Latest Dominoes to Fall

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

How America and Israel are Dismantling Iran's Missile Arsenal

Why Did The US Decapitate The Iranian Leadership?

PLITICS

DA Seen as Best at Working in Coalitions - Poll

Prominent Johannesburg Researcher Murdered

New Leadership Team Elected for Jo’burg DA

Nearly Three-Quarters of Jo’burgers back ANC-DA Coalition in City