Residential Property Prices Rocket 7.7% Year on Year

South Africa’s property prices have snapped a multi-year inflation-adjusted period of flatlining to record the largest year-on-year lift since 2021 – but the growth remains disparate, with Cape Town leading the pack and Johannesburg still a laggard — although this will change if Helen Zille wins the city in November.

ECONOMICS DESK

-

3.7.2026

The DA Gets it Right on Guns and Security

THE EDITORIAL BOARD -

3.7.2026

Rupert Bets Big on Private Healthcare but NHI Still Looms

POLITICS DESK -

3.7.2026

Thabo Mbeki Enters Conversation to Restore US-SA Relations

STAFF WRITER -

3.7.2026

Mandelson's Russia Scandal, ANC Polling Collapse, Steenhuisen vs Tony Leon, UK's Wealth Crisis & Joburg's Hidden Riches

THE TALKING SENSE PODCAST -

3.7.2026

Rupert Backs Initiative to Unlock Dead Capital

STAFF WRITER

- 2.7.2026

Private Security Firms and Lawful Gun Owners are Part of the Solution – DA

STAFF WRITER

- 2.7.2026

ANC on Back Foot: By-Election Analysis

MARIUS ROODT

- 2.7.2026

By 2100 Half Of World’s Most Populous Countries Will Be African

FOREIGN DESK

- 2.7.2026

Rand Manipulation Case Against Local Banks Collapses

STAFF WRITER

- 2.7.2026

MARIUS ROODT

ANC on Back Foot: By-Election Analysis

A brilliant analysis of long-term by-election data by veteran analyst Gareth van Onselen shows that ANC support at local government level is sharply down and will likely hit an all-time low point in November. Data for the DA are more complex to read, showing a clear peak in 2016, which the party will hope it will be able to replicate.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Stop Grouping People and Grow the Economy and We Will Be Fine

South Africans can be grateful that the 30 June immigrant deadline passed without mass violence – now two lessons must be learned.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Tony Leon Spent His Life Serving Democracy

BENJI SHULMAN

Jousting with Ghosts in South African Politics

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

ARC vs Davos and a Way Back for the West

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Private Security Industry Will Save SA From Hell This Week

SHRTS

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PLLING

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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

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

A recent report reveals contrasting trends in youth happiness across Eastern Europe and wealthy Western nations. While Eastern European youth report increased life satisfaction, their Western counterparts face declines.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

Jacob Zuma remains the most popular political figure in eThekwini, overshadowing other candidates. The local electorate appears resistant to institutional alternatives.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

A recent Gallup poll reveals that companies adopting AI are both hiring and firing more employees. This indicates a significant shift in workforce dynamics.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

Half of employed American adults — 50% — now say they use AI in their role

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

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

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

A recent report reveals contrasting trends in youth happiness across Eastern Europe and wealthy Western nations. While Eastern European youth report increased life satisfaction, their Western counterparts face declines.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

Jacob Zuma remains the most popular political figure in eThekwini, overshadowing other candidates. The local electorate appears resistant to institutional alternatives.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

A recent Gallup poll reveals that companies adopting AI are both hiring and firing more employees. This indicates a significant shift in workforce dynamics.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

Half of employed American adults — 50% — now say they use AI in their role

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

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

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

A recent report reveals contrasting trends in youth happiness across Eastern Europe and wealthy Western nations. While Eastern European youth report increased life satisfaction, their Western counterparts face declines.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

Jacob Zuma remains the most popular political figure in eThekwini, overshadowing other candidates. The local electorate appears resistant to institutional alternatives.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

A recent Gallup poll reveals that companies adopting AI are both hiring and firing more employees. This indicates a significant shift in workforce dynamics.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

Half of employed American adults — 50% — now say they use AI in their role

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

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

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

A recent report reveals contrasting trends in youth happiness across Eastern Europe and wealthy Western nations. While Eastern European youth report increased life satisfaction, their Western counterparts face declines.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

Jacob Zuma remains the most popular political figure in eThekwini, overshadowing other candidates. The local electorate appears resistant to institutional alternatives.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

A recent Gallup poll reveals that companies adopting AI are both hiring and firing more employees. This indicates a significant shift in workforce dynamics.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

Half of employed American adults — 50% — now say they use AI in their role

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

VIDES

VIEW ALL

Cheap Energy Brings Prosperity (The Rich Hate Prosperity).

THE COMMON SENSE

-

2.7.2026

The ONE Number Destroying South Africa’s Future.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.7.2026

Will South Africa Explode On 30 June?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.6.2026

Regime Change Is Coming To South Africa (Almost)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.6.2026

The DA's Biggest Nightmare: South Africa Is Winning Without Them

THE COMMON SENSE

-

22.6.2026

Cheap Energy Brings Prosperity (The Rich Hate Prosperity).

THE COMMON SENSE

-

2.7.2026

The ONE Number Destroying South Africa’s Future.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.7.2026

Will South Africa Explode On 30 June?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.6.2026

Regime Change Is Coming To South Africa (Almost)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.6.2026

The DA's Biggest Nightmare: South Africa Is Winning Without Them

THE COMMON SENSE

-

22.6.2026

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

PLITICS

VIEW ALL

The DA Gets it Right on Guns and Security

It is nice to have something to cheer for and cheer we do for the sensible statements the DA has put out about the private security industry and private gun ownership.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Rupert Bets Big on Private Healthcare but NHI Still Looms

POLITICS DESK

Thabo Mbeki Enters Conversation to Restore US-SA Relations

STAFF WRITER

Rupert Backs Initiative to Unlock Dead Capital

STAFF WRITER

Private Security Firms and Lawful Gun Owners are Part of the Solution – DA

STAFF WRITER

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The Latest Scenarios: South Africa 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

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3.7.2026

The ANC can get back to a majority – and democratically too

POLITICS DESK

South Africa’s path back to a 4% rate of economic growth

ECONOMICS DESK

This is what will happen to South Africa by 2034 (we are almost sure)

STAFF WRITER

Why South Africa too uncertain now to be forecast

STAFF WRITER

The ANC can get back to a majority – and democratically too

POLITICS DESK

South Africa’s path back to a 4% rate of economic growth

ECONOMICS DESK

This is what will happen to South Africa by 2034 (we are almost sure)

STAFF WRITER

Why South Africa too uncertain now to be forecast

STAFF WRITER

GLBAL

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By 2100 Half Of World’s Most Populous Countries Will Be African

Africa’s population is growing rapidly and with a growing economy the continent could be set for lift-off this century.

FOREIGN DESK

World Views Trump Negatively, South Africa No Exception

STAFF WRITER

The World is Warming but That is Not a Problem

FOREIGN DESK

China Doing Better Job In Winning SA Hearts and Minds Than US

FOREIGN DESK

Britain Has Run Out of Patience as Its Politics Fragments

FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUREAU

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

Mandelson's Russia Scandal, ANC Polling Collapse, Steenhuisen vs Tony Leon, UK's Wealth Crisis & Joburg's Hidden Riches

THE COMMON SENSE

-

3.7.2026

30 June March, Keir Starmer Resigns, the ARC Conference, and Is Johannesburg Better Than London?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.6.2026

GG Alcock: The ANC Lost the Townships, South Africans Are Succeeding Anyway

THE COMMON SENSE

-

24.6.2026

Iran Peace Deal, SpaceX IPO, DA Cabinet Reshuffle, and News24 vs Afriforum

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.6.2026

Mandelson's Russia Scandal, ANC Polling Collapse, Steenhuisen vs Tony Leon, UK's Wealth Crisis & Joburg's Hidden Riches

THE COMMON SENSE

-

3.7.2026

30 June March, Keir Starmer Resigns, the ARC Conference, and Is Johannesburg Better Than London?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.6.2026

GG Alcock: The ANC Lost the Townships, South Africans Are Succeeding Anyway

THE COMMON SENSE

-

24.6.2026

Iran Peace Deal, SpaceX IPO, DA Cabinet Reshuffle, and News24 vs Afriforum

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.6.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL