Trump’s X Machine

Why are US federal agency accounts getting far more attention under Trump than under Biden?

WARWICK GREY

-

3.6.2026

International NGO Warns on South African Xenophobic Violence

STAFF WRITER -

3.6.2026

Morocco Overtakes South Africa as Most Industrialised African Economy

STAFF WRITER -

3.6.2026

What Game is the DA Playing?

SIMON LINCOLN READER -

3.6.2026

US Conditions Remain in Place for South Africa Trade Pact

THE EDITORIAL BOARD -

3.6.2026

ANC Disaster Looming in Nelson Mandela Bay, Could Survive in Buffalo City

MARIUS ROODT

- 3.6.2026

South Africa’s Parole System and What is Being Done to Fix It

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 3.6.2026

Saving South Africa's Schools - Rob Katzen

GABRIEL MAKIN

- 3.6.2026

Xenophobic Violence Flares Up, Unrest Warning Lights Flash

NEWS DESK

- 2.6.2026

“Los die PA se Naam Uit Jou Mond Uit!” McKenzie Scolds Jacobs

STAFF WRITER

- 2.6.2026

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

South Africa’s Parole System and What is Being Done to Fix It

A recent spat over parole has shone an important light onto one of the most important parts of South Africa’s justice system, prompting The Common Sense to look into what is happening with South Africa’s parole system, what is being done to fix it, and whether it can indeed be fixed.

MARTIN VAN STADEN

Van der Rheede’s Puzzling Formalism Over (Scare-Quoted) “Race Law”

Martin van Staden writes on the debate about “race law” between Hermann Pretorius and Christo van der Rheede.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Only 10% of Young People Absorbed into SA’s Labour Market (But There’s a Fix)

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

How South Africa Can Double its GDP and Cut Unemployment to 10%

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

SA Needs a Better DA Than This

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

School Capture is Real, and Will Stunt Your Child's Emotional and Intellectual Development

SHRTS

VIEW ALL

PLLING

VIEW ALL

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

South Africans Overwhelmingly Support Merit

A survey by the Institute of Race Relations found that 92% of South Africans believe national sports teams should be selected on merit rather than race.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

South Africans Think The GNU is Working Well

Polling suggests South Africans have confidence in the GNU, with 49% saying it is working well, including 50% of ANC voters and 56% of DA voters.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half of SA’s Youth Are Outside the Labour Force

Stats SA data shows that half of South Africa’s youth are outside the labour force entirely, while only 27% of those aged 15 to 34 are employed.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

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

South Africans Back Vote Against President

Just more than half of South Africans support a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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

South Africans Overwhelmingly Support Merit

A survey by the Institute of Race Relations found that 92% of South Africans believe national sports teams should be selected on merit rather than race.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

South Africans Think The GNU is Working Well

Polling suggests South Africans have confidence in the GNU, with 49% saying it is working well, including 50% of ANC voters and 56% of DA voters.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half of SA’s Youth Are Outside the Labour Force

Stats SA data shows that half of South Africa’s youth are outside the labour force entirely, while only 27% of those aged 15 to 34 are employed.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

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

South Africans Back Vote Against President

Just more than half of South Africans support a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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

South Africans Overwhelmingly Support Merit

A survey by the Institute of Race Relations found that 92% of South Africans believe national sports teams should be selected on merit rather than race.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

South Africans Think The GNU is Working Well

Polling suggests South Africans have confidence in the GNU, with 49% saying it is working well, including 50% of ANC voters and 56% of DA voters.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half of SA’s Youth Are Outside the Labour Force

Stats SA data shows that half of South Africa’s youth are outside the labour force entirely, while only 27% of those aged 15 to 34 are employed.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

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

South Africans Back Vote Against President

Just more than half of South Africans support a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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

South Africans Overwhelmingly Support Merit

A survey by the Institute of Race Relations found that 92% of South Africans believe national sports teams should be selected on merit rather than race.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

South Africans Think The GNU is Working Well

Polling suggests South Africans have confidence in the GNU, with 49% saying it is working well, including 50% of ANC voters and 56% of DA voters.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half of SA’s Youth Are Outside the Labour Force

Stats SA data shows that half of South Africa’s youth are outside the labour force entirely, while only 27% of those aged 15 to 34 are employed.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Leads ANC Leadership Race on Favourability

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

South Africans Back Vote Against President

Just more than half of South Africans support a motion of no confidence against President Cyril Ramaphosa.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

VIDES

VIEW ALL

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's Delusional Defense Of BEE

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.5.2026

What Should The DA Do About Phala Phala?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

24.5.2026

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's Delusional Defense Of BEE

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.5.2026

What Should The DA Do About Phala Phala?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

24.5.2026

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

International NGO Warns on South African Xenophobic Violence

A human rights watchdog is the latest to raise the alarm around xenophobic unrest in South Africa.

STAFF WRITER

ANC Disaster Looming in Nelson Mandela Bay, Could Survive in Buffalo City

MARIUS ROODT

Xenophobic Violence Flares Up, Unrest Warning Lights Flash

NEWS DESK

“Los die PA se Naam Uit Jou Mond Uit!” McKenzie Scolds Jacobs

STAFF WRITER

Rise Mzansi’s Makashule Gana to Chair Ramaphosa Impeachment Committee

NEWS DESK

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Our sharpest stories, straight to your inbox.

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

STAFF WRITER

SA Petrol Price Could Fall Steeply as War Premium Fades

ECONOMICS DESK

Iran War Risks Overstated from Day One

STAFF WRITER

This Is How The Iran War Ends

FRANS CRONJE

US and Iran Still on Track for Deal to Drop Oil Prices

STAFF WRITER

SA Petrol Price Could Fall Steeply as War Premium Fades

ECONOMICS DESK

Iran War Risks Overstated from Day One

STAFF WRITER

This Is How The Iran War Ends

FRANS CRONJE

GLBAL

VIEW ALL

Trump’s X Machine

Why are US federal agency accounts getting far more attention under Trump than under Biden?

WARWICK GREY

US and Iran Still on Track for Deal to Drop Oil Prices

STAFF WRITER

SA Considers Balance of Forces in Genocide Case Extension Request

NEWS DESK

Populist Right-Wing Party in Dead Heat with Governing Labor in Australia

FOREIGN DESK

US Fills Important Africa-Linked Foreign Policy Role

NEWS DESK

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

Saving South Africa's Schools - Rob Katzen

THE COMMON SENSE

-

3.6.2026

Talking Sense About Phala Phala, Steenhuisen In Court, AI Data Centres, And Andy Burnham

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.6.2026

The State Wants To Regulate Religion - Chief Rabbi Goldstein

THE COMMON SENSE

-

31.5.2026

South Africa's Broken BEE System - Professor William Gumede

THE COMMON SENSE

-

26.5.2026

Saving South Africa's Schools - Rob Katzen

THE COMMON SENSE

-

3.6.2026

Talking Sense About Phala Phala, Steenhuisen In Court, AI Data Centres, And Andy Burnham

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.6.2026

The State Wants To Regulate Religion - Chief Rabbi Goldstein

THE COMMON SENSE

-

31.5.2026

South Africa's Broken BEE System - Professor William Gumede

THE COMMON SENSE

-

26.5.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

Morocco Overtakes South Africa as Most Industrialised African Economy

Lesotho and Botswana also show long-term declines in the latest ranking from the African Development Bank.

STAFF WRITER

Stay the Course of Reform, Says BLSA CEO

ECONOMICS DESK

Good News (and Some Bad News) For the Economy – Stats SA

ECON DESK

Is Informal Economy Keeping SA Going?

STAFF WRITER

US and Iran Still on Track for Deal to Drop Oil Prices

STAFF WRITER

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

Who is the Man Taking Bafana Bafana to the World Cup?

Hugo Broos has had an illustrious career, and now he takes Bafana to their first World Cup in nearly 20 years.

STAFF WRITER