The Common Sense - Independent News & Analysis

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel's Defence Against The Critics

Gabriel Makin talks to the CEO of AfriForum, Kallie Kriel.

Gabriel Makin

- 30.7.2026

Washington’s Crass Read of South Africa Gets It Wrong

THE EDITORIAL BOARD -

30.7.2026

This Is How to Tell Whether the Media Is Lying to You

THE EDITORIAL BOARD -

30.7.2026

New Think Tank Pledges to Drive Decolonialisation and Promote “Black Agency”

STAFF WRITER -

30.7.2026

When Policy Meets Reality: Illegal Firearms and the Failure of Gun Control

STAFF WRITER -

30.7.2026

South Africa's Underground Fight Against The Zama Zamas

FRANS CRONJE

- 30.7.2026

For a Long Time, the ANC did Deliver

NEWS DESK

- 29.7.2026

Political Choices Key to Rehabilitating Infrastructure: Report

POLITICS CORRESPONDENT

- 29.7.2026

The Rand This Week Showed the Price SA Pays When the Reserve Bank Screws Up

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 29.7.2026

South Africans Unsure What Impact US Aid Cuts Will Have

STAFF WRITER

- 29.7.2026

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

The Common Sense’s Diary

AfriForum; when Steve Biko helped the Afrikaners; how a people lose everything; it is irrelevant whether you’re oppressed; why blacks had to stop worrying about what the whites were doing; we were all enslaved once; theories of trauma; how the whites killed Biko but the ANC destroyed black self-belief; why the Afrikaner right dislikes Trump’s offer; the internal and external attacks on AfriForum; South Africa is one big conservative melting pot; the laager or integration – what should the Afrikaners now do; The Common Sense could have this all wrong.

WANDILE SIHLOBO

Southern Africa Must Avoid Agricultural Trade Friction and Focus on Collaboration

Wandile Sihlobo writes on the complexities of regional agricultural trade.

KALLIE KRIEL

AfriForum Responds to News24 Witch Hunt: This Is What AfriForum Achieves with R22.6 Million a Month

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Ramaphosa’s Empty Victory

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

SIMON LINCOLN READER

Rubio Is Right to Go for Leftist Terrorists

SHRTS

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PLLING

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIDES

VIEW ALL

South Africa's Underground Fight Against The Zama Zamas

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.7.2026

This Western Cape Town Is About To Be Destroyed. Why Is the DA Letting This happen?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.7.2026

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

South Africa's Underground Fight Against The Zama Zamas

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.7.2026

This Western Cape Town Is About To Be Destroyed. Why Is the DA Letting This happen?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.7.2026

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

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

New Think Tank Pledges to Drive Decolonialisation and Promote “Black Agency”

A convicted criminal tries to make a political comeback with a radical think tank.

STAFF WRITER

When Policy Meets Reality: Illegal Firearms and the Failure of Gun Control

STAFF WRITER

Political Choices Key to Rehabilitating Infrastructure: Report

POLITICS CORRESPONDENT

South Africans Unsure What Impact US Aid Cuts Will Have

STAFF WRITER

Zuma Tightens Control of MKP

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

The Chinese Are Keeping Dogs – Posing a New Threat to Beijing

A chance conversation among The Common Sense staffers at an editorial meeting last week led to thinking that pet ownership trends in China may amount to more than an endearing insight into the evolution of that society.

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

America’s Most Toxic Export

WARWICK GREY

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel's Defence Against The Critics

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.7.2026

The Southern African Trade Problem – Wandile Sihlobo Explains

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.7.2026

Seven Prime Ministers In 10 Years, How Did The UK Get Here?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.7.2026

Financial Mail Row, Anne Widdecombe Murder, and UK Cabinet Reshuffle

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.7.2026

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel's Defence Against The Critics

THE COMMON SENSE

-

30.7.2026

The Southern African Trade Problem – Wandile Sihlobo Explains

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.7.2026

Seven Prime Ministers In 10 Years, How Did The UK Get Here?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.7.2026

Financial Mail Row, Anne Widdecombe Murder, and UK Cabinet Reshuffle

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.7.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

When Policy Meets Reality: Illegal Firearms and the Failure of Gun Control

The state’s proposed solution to the scourge of illegal firearms is to disarm law-abiding citizens by removing self-defence as a lawful reason for firearm ownership.

STAFF WRITER

For a Long Time, the ANC did Deliver

NEWS DESK

The Chinese Are Keeping Dogs – Posing a New Threat to Beijing

FOREIGN DESK

US Economy Remains Resilient as Republicans Eye Midterm Risks

ECON DESK

What Another 30 Years of 1% Growth Looks Like

WARWICK GREY

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