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

Serious questions are being asked about whether the Democratic Alliance has what it takes to turn the country around.

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

CONVERSATIONS WITH GABRIEL -

10.6.2026

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

SPORTS DESK

- 9.6.2026

Marginal GDP Growth in First Quarter

ECON DESK

- 9.6.2026

South African Official Among Those Mentioned in Concerning UN Watchdog Report

NEWS DESK

- 9.6.2026

African Countries Have Favourable Views of Israel Compared to Europe

STAFF WRITER

- 9.6.2026

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

STAFF WRITER

- 9.6.2026

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

RW Johnson writes on the destruction of South Africa’s cities under ANC rule.

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

DAVID ANSARA

Set Jo’burg free

SIMON LINCOLN READER

What Game is the DA Playing?

GIDEON JOUBERT

The Five Ds and the Duty to Protect

SHRTS

VIEW ALL

PLLING

VIEW ALL

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

Metro Voters Say SA is Going the Wrong Way

Social Research Foundation polling shows deep pessimism about South Africa’s direction among black respondents and ANC supporters in eThekwini, Johannesburg, and Tshwane.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

SA Split on Race of President

Social Research Foundation polling found that voters are split on whether a governing party must have a black leader to succeed.

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

Metro Voters Say SA is Going the Wrong Way

Social Research Foundation polling shows deep pessimism about South Africa’s direction among black respondents and ANC supporters in eThekwini, Johannesburg, and Tshwane.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

SA Split on Race of President

Social Research Foundation polling found that voters are split on whether a governing party must have a black leader to succeed.

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

Metro Voters Say SA is Going the Wrong Way

Social Research Foundation polling shows deep pessimism about South Africa’s direction among black respondents and ANC supporters in eThekwini, Johannesburg, and Tshwane.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

SA Split on Race of President

Social Research Foundation polling found that voters are split on whether a governing party must have a black leader to succeed.

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

Metro Voters Say SA is Going the Wrong Way

Social Research Foundation polling shows deep pessimism about South Africa’s direction among black respondents and ANC supporters in eThekwini, Johannesburg, and Tshwane.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

SA Split on Race of President

Social Research Foundation polling found that voters are split on whether a governing party must have a black leader to succeed.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

VIDES

VIEW ALL

How South Africa Killed Its Manufacturing Sector and Trapped Millions in Poverty

THE COMMON SENSE

-

9.6.2026

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

How South Africa Killed Its Manufacturing Sector and Trapped Millions in Poverty

THE COMMON SENSE

-

9.6.2026

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 On the Brink

What Is in the Section 89 Report? The Damning Case Against Ramaphosa on Phala Phala

The Common Sense lays out the devastating charges against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

NEWS DESK

-

2.6.2026

Rise Mzansi’s Makashule Gana to Chair Ramaphosa Impeachment Committee

NEWS DESK

The ANC Succession Tells a Story

RW JOHNSON

Ramaphosa Must Testify Before Parliament

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

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

JAMES MYBURGH

Rise Mzansi’s Makashule Gana to Chair Ramaphosa Impeachment Committee

NEWS DESK

The ANC Succession Tells a Story

RW JOHNSON

Ramaphosa Must Testify Before Parliament

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

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

JAMES MYBURGH

PLITICS

VIEW ALL

Does Being Cold Make People More Violent?

Can feeling cold make violence more likely when poverty, hunger, and incitement are already present?

WARWICK GREY

South African Official Among Those Mentioned in Concerning UN Watchdog Report

NEWS DESK

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

STAFF WRITER

Population Growth Has Outstripped Economic Growth for More Than Half of Ramaphosa’s Presidency

STAFF WRITER

FF+ Claims Intelligence Machinations are Targeting It

STAFF WRITER

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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

GLBAL

VIEW ALL

South African Official Among Those Mentioned in Concerning UN Watchdog Report

A South African official has been named by a watchdog body that monitors the United Nations (UN).

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

Zelenskyy Calls for Ceasefire in Rare Open Letter to Putin

RAPHAEL REHBOCK

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

Sakeliga Strikes Blow Against BEE

The lobby group scored a victory against BEE-by-stealth.

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

Property Values in Cape Town Grow Twice as Fast as in Jo’burg

ECONOMICS DESK

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