The Common Sense's Diary

Trump the wartime orator, back to the stone age with Iran, a stable polity, be very grateful for forex and water and headlights, the Gauteng ANC also wants to go back to the stone age, the DA wobbles and underwhelms, Willie Spies might be just what is needed.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

-

7.4.2026

The Future Of The ANC - The Common Sense Plus

TALKING SENSE -

7.4.2026

Trump Nominee Signals Shift Toward Trade-Led US Africa Policy

FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUREAU -

7.4.2026

Reserve Bank Pushes Back Against R1.5 Trillion Gambling Claim

NEWS DESK -

7.4.2026

Steenhuisen Receives Strong Ratings Across Voter Groups in Jo’burg

POLLING CORRESPONDENT -

7.4.2026

ANC Voters Think Things Will Improve if DA Takes Over; DA Voters Don’t Think Same About ANC

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

- 7.4.2026

Iran War Could Result in New Era for Iran’s Minorities

NEWS DESK

- 7.4.2026

South Africa Could Learn from Uribe’s Colombian Playbook

GREG MILLS, RAY HARTLEY, AND JD MOLINA

- 7.4.2026

Woke Left vs Woke Right: The Solution Lies in Traditional Values

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 7.4.2026

How the US Pulled a Downed Airman Out of Iran

NEWS DESK

- 6.4.2026

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

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

DAVID ANSARA

The One Thing Investors Care About

David Ansara writes on the South African government's latest investor conference.

RW JOHNSON

Why Does the ANC Cling to the Clearly Impossible NHI?

SIMON LINCOLN READER

Could Rupert Lowe be the Next British PM?

PIERNEEF

The Decline of Marriage and Its Societal Consequences

JOHN STEENHUISEN

Koos Malan Confuses Libertarian Cosplay with Constitutionalism

SHRTS

VIEW ALL

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

Explaining The Upcoming DA Congress

THE COMMON SENSE

-

5.4.2026

The United States Supreme Court Win For Free Speech

THE COMMON SENSE

-

3.4.2026

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

Explaining The Upcoming DA Congress

THE COMMON SENSE

-

5.4.2026

The United States Supreme Court Win For Free Speech

THE COMMON SENSE

-

3.4.2026

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

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

-

6.4.2026

Why Iran War is Not At This Stage The Global Catastrophe It Is Being Made Out To Be

PLITICS

VIEW ALL

Steenhuisen Receives Strong Ratings Across Voter Groups in Jo’burg

Outgoing DA leader highly rated by Johannesburg voters across the racial spectrum for his leadership of the party.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Voters Think Things Will Improve if DA Takes Over; DA Voters Don’t Think Same About ANC

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Leads the DA Nationally and in Metros According to New Ipsos Data

POLITICS DESK

Durbanites Hate Ramaphosa and Love Zuma

POLITICS DESK

Is South Africa Ignoring a Once-in-a-Generation Oil Opportunity?

ECON DESK

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daily mailer

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Our sharpest stories, straight to your inbox.

LISTEN NOW

GLBAL

VIEW ALL

Trump Nominee Signals Shift Toward Trade-Led US Africa Policy

Washington signals a harder-edged, interest-driven reset in its approach to Africa.

FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUREAU

Iran War Could Result in New Era for Iran’s Minorities

NEWS DESK

South Africa Could Learn from Uribe’s Colombian Playbook

GREG MILLS, RAY HARTLEY, AND JD MOLINA

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

FRANS CRONJE

How the US Pulled a Downed Airman Out of Iran

NEWS DESK

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

The Future Of The ANC - The Common Sense Plus

THE COMMON SENSE

-

7.4.2026

Makin Sense Of The DA Congress, Solving SA's Crime Problem, The BBC and Free Speech

THE COMMON SENSE

-

6.4.2026

Running To Be The DA's Deputy Federal Chairperson - Nicholas Nyati

THE COMMON SENSE

-

4.4.2026

Will South Africa Run Out Of Petrol? - James Lorimer - Common Sense Conversations

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.4.2026

The Future Of The ANC - The Common Sense Plus

THE COMMON SENSE

-

7.4.2026

Makin Sense Of The DA Congress, Solving SA's Crime Problem, The BBC and Free Speech

THE COMMON SENSE

-

6.4.2026

Running To Be The DA's Deputy Federal Chairperson - Nicholas Nyati

THE COMMON SENSE

-

4.4.2026

Will South Africa Run Out Of Petrol? - James Lorimer - Common Sense Conversations

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.4.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

Reserve Bank Pushes Back Against R1.5 Trillion Gambling Claim

SARB says claims about gambling spend of over R1 trillion are misleading.

NEWS DESK

Buffalo City Surprises in Latest Stats SA Property Report

ECON DESK

Is South Africa Ignoring a Once-in-a-Generation Oil Opportunity?

ECON DESK

Walvis Bay and the New Geography of Power

REINE OPPERMAN

Strong Growth in Overseas Visitor Numbers in Jan, Feb

ECON DESK

LFE

Beyond Mars and the Next Frontier of Space Exploration

Much of the solar system is horribly uninhabitable for humans.

RW JOHNSON

The Common Sense's Diary

The Future Of The ANC - The Common Sense Plus

Trump Nominee Signals Shift Toward Trade-Led US Africa Policy

Reserve Bank Pushes Back Against R1.5 Trillion Gambling Claim

Steenhuisen Receives Strong Ratings Across Voter Groups in Jo’burg

ANC Voters Think Things Will Improve if DA Takes Over; DA Voters Don’t Think Same About ANC

Iran War Could Result in New Era for Iran’s Minorities

South Africa Could Learn from Uribe’s Colombian Playbook

Woke Left vs Woke Right: The Solution Lies in Traditional Values

How the US Pulled a Downed Airman Out of Iran

Dispatch from Washington

The One Thing Investors Care About

Why Does the ANC Cling to the Clearly Impossible NHI?

Could Rupert Lowe be the Next British PM?

The Decline of Marriage and Its Societal Consequences

Koos Malan Confuses Libertarian Cosplay with Constitutionalism

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

Explaining The Upcoming DA Congress

The United States Supreme Court Win For Free Speech

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

Explaining The Upcoming DA Congress

The United States Supreme Court Win For Free Speech

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

The War on Iran

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

Why Iran War is Not At This Stage The Global Catastrophe It Is Being Made Out To Be

The Strait of Hormuz is Not Open Until Insurers Say It is

Trump Signals Progress in Iran While Warning of Further Strikes

The Iran War and the Limits of Modern Munitions

Why Iran War is Not At This Stage The Global Catastrophe It Is Being Made Out To Be

The Strait of Hormuz is Not Open Until Insurers Say It is

Trump Signals Progress in Iran While Warning of Further Strikes

The Iran War and the Limits of Modern Munitions

PLITICS

Steenhuisen Receives Strong Ratings Across Voter Groups in Jo’burg

ANC Voters Think Things Will Improve if DA Takes Over; DA Voters Don’t Think Same About ANC

ANC Leads the DA Nationally and in Metros According to New Ipsos Data

Durbanites Hate Ramaphosa and Love Zuma