SARB Holds Rates as Growth Outlook Weakens, But Inflation Risk Remains

Central bank surprises as it holds rates against expectations.

STAFF WRITER

-

23.7.2026

Is This the Endgame for Israel?

FOREIGN DESK -

23.7.2026

Horizontal Versus Hierarchical: The Difference Between Russia and Ukraine

GREG MILLS -

23.7.2026

Johannesburg's Air Quality Problem

STAFF WRITER -

23.7.2026

South Africa’s New Satellite Options Still Aren’t Starlink

ECON DESK -

23.7.2026

RW Johnson, One of South Africa’s Greatest Modern Thinkers, Has Died

NEWS DESK

- 22.7.2026

South Africans May Face Another Rate Hike Tomorrow

STAFF WRITER

- 22.7.2026

What to Expect from Iran and the Oil Price for the Rest of 2026

BHEKI MAHLOBO

- 22.7.2026

The Mexican Meth Factories Hidden on South African Farms

WARWICK GREY

- 22.7.2026

The South African Billionaire Heiress at the Centre of an International Media Controversy

BENJI SHULMAN

- 22.7.2026

JACQUES BROODRYK

Community Action, Not Government, is the Real Reason Farm Murders are Declining in South Africa

Jacques Broodryk writes on the real reason South Africa’s farm murders are declining.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

The Common Sense’s Diary

The rogue-GNU may be winning; it has taken a big step forward in Pretoria; the ANC is backing both GNUs and trying to undermine them and that makes sense for it; Ramaphosa and the logic of mutually annihilating objectives; if the rogue-GNU wins that might be okay; how to hedge if that happens; Ramaphosa shows how; it is about creating choices around your assets, income, children, and geography.

WANDILE SIHLOBO

Will El Niño Drought Hit Food Prices in South Africa? Earlier Rains and Grain Stocks Offer Hope

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

South Africa Should Follow America and Leave the ICC

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

RW JOHNSON

The News That’s Fit to Print

SHRTS

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PLLING

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIDES

VIEW ALL

How El Nino Could Trigger Droughts and Food Crises Across Southern Africa.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

21.7.2026

The China Debt Crisis No One Sees Coming

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.7.2026

SA's Enclave Future - How To Prepare For It

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.7.2026

The Truth About Black Economic Progress in South Africa

THE COMMON SENSE

-

17.7.2026

The Rogue GNU Claims Another Scalp in Tshwane.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

16.7.2026

How El Nino Could Trigger Droughts and Food Crises Across Southern Africa.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

21.7.2026

The China Debt Crisis No One Sees Coming

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.7.2026

SA's Enclave Future - How To Prepare For It

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.7.2026

The Truth About Black Economic Progress in South Africa

THE COMMON SENSE

-

17.7.2026

The Rogue GNU Claims Another Scalp in Tshwane.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

16.7.2026

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

-

9.7.2026

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

VIEW ALL

The Mexican Meth Factories Hidden on South African Farms

For two decades, South Africa “imported” its methamphetamine. But since July 2024, police have uncovered four industrial-scale laboratories on remote farms, staffed by Mexican cartel chemists, with drugs worth more than R3.5 billion seized.

WARWICK GREY

In a Great Omen for SA’s Future the Number of Black Engineering Graduates Explodes

RAPHAEL REHBOCK

“None Of the Above” Would Win a South African Election

POLITICS DESK

Relations With the US: Roelf Meyer Says Reset Will Be Difficult

STAFF WRITER

Municipal Incapacity Putting Lives at Risk

STAFF WRITER

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Our sharpest stories, straight to your inbox.

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

Is This the Endgame for Israel?

Israel suffered its greatest-ever strategic setback this year, bringing forward the prospects of its ultimate defeat and destruction.

FOREIGN DESK

America’s Most Toxic Export

WARWICK GREY

Activity on Northern Border Worries South Korea

FOREIGN DESK

Is Russia Winning the Information War in South Africa?

FOREIGN DESK

Is the World Wrong About Jihadism in Nigeria?

FOREIGN DESK

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

Revealed: The SA government owns over 6 000 homes | Minister Dean Macpherson

THE COMMON SENSE

-

22.7.2026

ICC Exit, 15% Middle Class, 66% JSE Black Ownership, & Mettler State Capture

THE COMMON SENSE

-

19.7.2026

Trans Flags In Schools, Tony Leon "State Capture" Smear, Nigel Farage & SA's 2034 Future Scenarios

THE COMMON SENSE

-

11.7.2026

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

THE COMMON SENSE

-

5.7.2026

Revealed: The SA government owns over 6 000 homes | Minister Dean Macpherson

THE COMMON SENSE

-

22.7.2026

ICC Exit, 15% Middle Class, 66% JSE Black Ownership, & Mettler State Capture

THE COMMON SENSE

-

19.7.2026

Trans Flags In Schools, Tony Leon "State Capture" Smear, Nigel Farage & SA's 2034 Future Scenarios

THE COMMON SENSE

-

11.7.2026

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

THE COMMON SENSE

-

5.7.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL