The Common Sense - Independent News & Analysis

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

This week the panel discusses the Social Research Foundation and The Common Sense new national and Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria polling.

Gabriel Makin

- 7.8.2026

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

BHEKI MAHLOBO -

7.8.2026

Illegal Immigrants Took the Jobs, say SA Voters

POLLING CORRESPONDENT -

7.8.2026

This Is Who Black South Africans Want to Vote For

STAFF WRITER -

7.8.2026

This Is Who White South Africans Want to Vote For

STAFF WRITER -

7.8.2026

What the ANC’s Terminal Decline Means for the Future of South Africa

FRANS CRONJE

- 6.8.2026

Six Graphs Show How South Africans Access Healthcare

WARWICK GREY

- 6.8.2026

Motsepe Leads the Race for ANC Leader

POLITICS DESK

- 6.8.2026

Where Did the Mad Idea That Women Can Be Men and Men Women Come From?

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 6.8.2026

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

FRANS CRONJE

- 6.8.2026

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

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

GREG MILLS

The Empire Strikes Back

Greg Mills writes on the resistance of the Ukrainian people to oppression, currently and through history.

SIMON LINCOLN READER

The Mad Attack on FM and Currency

BENJI SHULMAN

What Colombia’s New President Means for South Africa

DAVID ANSARA

The Case Against the Expropriation Act

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Washington’s Crass Read of South Africa Gets It Wrong

SHRTS

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PLLING

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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

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Social Research Foundation polling conducted in the first quarter asked registered voters in Gauteng which party they would support if local government elections were held today. The Gauteng sample is smaller than the national sample, meaning the provincial margin of error is higher and the results should be interpreted as a rough indication of support levels rather than a precise estimate of electoral outcomes.

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

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Social Research Foundation polling conducted in the first quarter asked registered voters in Gauteng which party they would support if local government elections were held today. The Gauteng sample is smaller than the national sample, meaning the provincial margin of error is higher and the results should be interpreted as a rough indication of support levels rather than a precise estimate of electoral outcomes.

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

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Social Research Foundation polling conducted in the first quarter asked registered voters in Gauteng which party they would support if local government elections were held today. The Gauteng sample is smaller than the national sample, meaning the provincial margin of error is higher and the results should be interpreted as a rough indication of support levels rather than a precise estimate of electoral outcomes.

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

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Social Research Foundation polling conducted in the first quarter asked registered voters in Gauteng which party they would support if local government elections were held today. The Gauteng sample is smaller than the national sample, meaning the provincial margin of error is higher and the results should be interpreted as a rough indication of support levels rather than a precise estimate of electoral outcomes.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

VIDES

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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

Ramaphosa's Empty Victory

THE COMMON SENSE

-

4.8.2026

Revisiting the SARS Rogue Unit

THE COMMON SENSE

-

3.8.2026

South Africa's Underground Fight Against The Zama Zamas

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.7.2026

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

Ramaphosa's Empty Victory

THE COMMON SENSE

-

4.8.2026

Revisiting the SARS Rogue Unit

THE COMMON SENSE

-

3.8.2026

South Africa's Underground Fight Against The Zama Zamas

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.7.2026

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

-

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

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Illegal Immigrants Took the Jobs, say SA Voters

A very strong majority of South African voters believe that South Africa has a high unemployment rate because illegal immigrants took the jobs that belong to South Africans.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

This Is Who Black South Africans Want to Vote For

STAFF WRITER

This Is Who White South Africans Want to Vote For

STAFF WRITER

Motsepe Leads the Race for ANC Leader

POLITICS DESK

ANC Support Collapses in Johannesburg

POLITICS DESK

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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

-

7.8.2026

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

-

7.8.2026

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

VIEW ALL

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

When the ANC first came to power, the fear among corporates, investors, and diplomats was that the party would mess up South Africa’s national finances, quite the opposite happened… at first.

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

Number of Social Grants Paid Out Dwarfs Number of Income Taxpayers in SA

NEWS DESK

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