The Common Sense’s Diary

The DA is weak, it also claims to be corrupt, the meek shall inherit the moon, the three donors were not deterred, you’re the real donor, what about the illicit ones, the meek and the weak, in the land of the weak the strong shall be king.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

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1.9.2026

ANC, MKP, and EFF Voters Agree – South Africa Will Be Worse Off If Whites Leave

POLITICS DESK -

1.9.2026

Is the Government’s Latest 3% Growth Pledge Viable?

ECONOMICS DESK -

1.9.2026

Zimbabwe a Key Market for South Africa’s Agricultural Industry

WANDILE SIHLOBO -

1.9.2026

South Africa's White Population Is Disappearing

GABRIEL MAKIN

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1.9.2026

SACP Submits Own Candidates for Municipal Election – But Isn’t Divorcing ANC Just Yet

POLITICS DESK

- 31.8.2026

Captured Governance: How Political Engineering Is Destroying Local Government

IVOR BLUMENTHAL

- 31.8.2026

SAPS Disregards Merit, Public Service, and Its Own Commitments: Solidarity

POLITICS DESK

- 31.8.2026

South Africa Doubles Down on Anti-US and Anti-Israel Policy as Botswana Moves Closer to Washington

STAFF WRITER

- 31.8.2026

Voters Want the ANC and DA to Work Together

POLITICS WRITER

- 31.8.2026

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

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

DAVID ANSARA

How to Save South Africa's Cities

David Ansara writes on Cilliers Brink's talk at the FMF.

KALLIE KRIEL

Discussions Between AfriForum and March and March: Community Values the Centre Ground in South Africa

IAN CAMERON

South Africa’s Forensic Collapse: Rationed Justice for Some, None for Others

IAN MACLEOD

Who Are the Boks?

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Johannesburg Must Be Broken Up Before It Breaks Down

SHRTS

VIEW ALL

PLLING

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Most South Africans Would Stay Even if America Offered to Take Them

We asked voters whether they would leave for America if its refugee programme were opened to all South Africans, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Would Trade Security Cooperation for US Investment

We asked voters whether South Africa should protect American security interests to attract trade and investment, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Voters Would Exempt American Companies From BEE

We asked voters whether American firms should be excused from BEE requirements to attract investment, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Reject the US Refugee Policy for Afrikaners

We asked voters what they make of America's decision to offer Afrikaners refugee status, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Dispute That Afrikaners Suffer More Than Anyone Else

We asked voters whether they accept America's reasoning for the Afrikaner refugee programme, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Only One in Eight Voters Believe Ramaphosa Is Innocent

We asked voters what they make of the Phala Phala allegations against Cyril Ramaphosa, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Back a DA Motion of No Confidence in Ramaphosa

We asked voters whether the DA should move to vote Cyril Ramaphosa out if he is found guilty, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Only One in Five Say Life Has Improved Under the GNU

We asked voters whether their own circumstances have improved since the GNU was formed, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Is the Clear Front-Runner to Lead the ANC

We asked voters who they want to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC president, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most South Africans Would Stay Even if America Offered to Take Them

We asked voters whether they would leave for America if its refugee programme were opened to all South Africans, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Would Trade Security Cooperation for US Investment

We asked voters whether South Africa should protect American security interests to attract trade and investment, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Voters Would Exempt American Companies From BEE

We asked voters whether American firms should be excused from BEE requirements to attract investment, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Reject the US Refugee Policy for Afrikaners

We asked voters what they make of America's decision to offer Afrikaners refugee status, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Dispute That Afrikaners Suffer More Than Anyone Else

We asked voters whether they accept America's reasoning for the Afrikaner refugee programme, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Only One in Eight Voters Believe Ramaphosa Is Innocent

We asked voters what they make of the Phala Phala allegations against Cyril Ramaphosa, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Back a DA Motion of No Confidence in Ramaphosa

We asked voters whether the DA should move to vote Cyril Ramaphosa out if he is found guilty, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Only One in Five Say Life Has Improved Under the GNU

We asked voters whether their own circumstances have improved since the GNU was formed, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Is the Clear Front-Runner to Lead the ANC

We asked voters who they want to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC president, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most South Africans Would Stay Even if America Offered to Take Them

We asked voters whether they would leave for America if its refugee programme were opened to all South Africans, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Would Trade Security Cooperation for US Investment

We asked voters whether South Africa should protect American security interests to attract trade and investment, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Voters Would Exempt American Companies From BEE

We asked voters whether American firms should be excused from BEE requirements to attract investment, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Reject the US Refugee Policy for Afrikaners

We asked voters what they make of America's decision to offer Afrikaners refugee status, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Dispute That Afrikaners Suffer More Than Anyone Else

We asked voters whether they accept America's reasoning for the Afrikaner refugee programme, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Only One in Eight Voters Believe Ramaphosa Is Innocent

We asked voters what they make of the Phala Phala allegations against Cyril Ramaphosa, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Back a DA Motion of No Confidence in Ramaphosa

We asked voters whether the DA should move to vote Cyril Ramaphosa out if he is found guilty, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Only One in Five Say Life Has Improved Under the GNU

We asked voters whether their own circumstances have improved since the GNU was formed, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Is the Clear Front-Runner to Lead the ANC

We asked voters who they want to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC president, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most South Africans Would Stay Even if America Offered to Take Them

We asked voters whether they would leave for America if its refugee programme were opened to all South Africans, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Would Trade Security Cooperation for US Investment

We asked voters whether South Africa should protect American security interests to attract trade and investment, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Most Voters Would Exempt American Companies From BEE

We asked voters whether American firms should be excused from BEE requirements to attract investment, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Reject the US Refugee Policy for Afrikaners

We asked voters what they make of America's decision to offer Afrikaners refugee status, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Dispute That Afrikaners Suffer More Than Anyone Else

We asked voters whether they accept America's reasoning for the Afrikaner refugee programme, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Only One in Eight Voters Believe Ramaphosa Is Innocent

We asked voters what they make of the Phala Phala allegations against Cyril Ramaphosa, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Voters Back a DA Motion of No Confidence in Ramaphosa

We asked voters whether the DA should move to vote Cyril Ramaphosa out if he is found guilty, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Only One in Five Say Life Has Improved Under the GNU

We asked voters whether their own circumstances have improved since the GNU was formed, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Motsepe Is the Clear Front-Runner to Lead the ANC

We asked voters who they want to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC president, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

VIDES

VIEW ALL

South Africa's White Population Is Disappearing

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.9.2026

The ANC Has Ignored Mandela's Warning

THE COMMON SENSE

-

31.8.2026

The Constitutional Court Wrecked South Africa's Economy

THE COMMON SENSE

-

26.8.2026

Did the ANC Ever Deliver?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.8.2026

DA Keeps Cape Town

THE COMMON SENSE

-

24.8.2026

South Africa's White Population Is Disappearing

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.9.2026

The ANC Has Ignored Mandela's Warning

THE COMMON SENSE

-

31.8.2026

The Constitutional Court Wrecked South Africa's Economy

THE COMMON SENSE

-

26.8.2026

Did the ANC Ever Deliver?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.8.2026

DA Keeps Cape Town

THE COMMON SENSE

-

24.8.2026

LGE 2026: Latest Polling

Special Report: Election 2026 — The Latest Polling

The latest polling from the SRF and The Common Sense reveals where South Africans stand ahead of the November 2026 local elections, from party support and presidential succession to the GNU, immigration, corruption, and expropriation.

GABRIEL MAKIN

-

15.8.2026

The ANC Still Has a Way Back

POLITICS DESK

Is the “Third Force” Back – And Driving Political Change in South Africa?

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

This Is Who Black South Africans Want to Vote For

STAFF WRITER

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

FRANS CRONJE

The ANC Still Has a Way Back

POLITICS DESK

Is the “Third Force” Back – And Driving Political Change in South Africa?

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

This Is Who Black South Africans Want to Vote For

STAFF WRITER

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

FRANS CRONJE

PLITICS

VIEW ALL

ANC, MKP, and EFF Voters Agree – South Africa Will Be Worse Off If Whites Leave

“Chase the whites into the sea”? Not so fast, say most South Africans.

POLITICS DESK

SACP Submits Own Candidates for Municipal Election – But Isn’t Divorcing ANC Just Yet

POLITICS DESK

SAPS Disregards Merit, Public Service, and Its Own Commitments: Solidarity

POLITICS DESK

Saving Jo’burg – Lessons from Abroad

POLITICS DESK

Voters Want the ANC and DA to Work Together

POLITICS WRITER

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Our sharpest stories, straight to your inbox.

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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

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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

GLBAL

VIEW ALL

South Africa Doubles Down on Anti-US and Anti-Israel Policy as Botswana Moves Closer to Washington

Pretoria has returned to the ICJ to increase pressure on Israel and the US just as neighbouring Botswana deepens military cooperation with Washington.

STAFF WRITER

The Architects of Perception: Soviet Defectors and the Anatomy of Active Measures

MAHAN

Nigeria's Election: Are We Watching the Wrong People?

PAULA SLIER

Botswana Deepens US Military Ties as South Africa Drills with Washington’s Rivals

FOREIGN DESK

China Now Builds The Robots That Build China – South Africa Should Pay Attention

WARWICK GREY

PDCASTS

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Mark Burke Is a Hero | Ukraine's Deadlock | The NDP 14 Years On | ANC Mayors | Ann Bernstein on Jhb

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.8.2026

Mlondi Mdluli – Inside SA’s New Political Reality

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.8.2026

Food Inflation Is the Lowest in Years (For Now)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.8.2026

The ANC's Two Eras, The Water Bill, Shell, Jason Arday, SA's Verdict on US Companies

THE COMMON SENSE

-

21.8.2026

Mark Burke Is a Hero | Ukraine's Deadlock | The NDP 14 Years On | ANC Mayors | Ann Bernstein on Jhb

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.8.2026

Mlondi Mdluli – Inside SA’s New Political Reality

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.8.2026

Food Inflation Is the Lowest in Years (For Now)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.8.2026

The ANC's Two Eras, The Water Bill, Shell, Jason Arday, SA's Verdict on US Companies

THE COMMON SENSE

-

21.8.2026

ECNOMICS

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Is the Government’s Latest 3% Growth Pledge Viable?

The Common Sense ran the numbers that underpin South Africa’s economic growth rate, and the result is that reaching business and government’s latest target is not likely without both sides getting serious about reform.

ECONOMICS DESK

Zimbabwe a Key Market for South Africa’s Agricultural Industry

WANDILE SIHLOBO

Western Activists say to South Africans: Not In YOUR Backyard!

SIMON LINCOLN READER

Johannesburg Must Be Broken Up Before It Breaks Down

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Jo’burg in Financial “Doom Loop”, Says Think-Tank Study

ECON DESK

LFE

Your Retirement Savings Are Held Hostage by an Outdated Checklist

Michael Kransdorff writes on the problems facing South Africans who have emigrated financially.

MICHAEL KRANSDORFF

Your Retirement Savings Are Held Hostage by an Outdated Checklist

The First Aeroplane Flight in South Africa Took Place in This South African City

Johannesburg's Air Quality Problem

SPRTS

Who Are the Boks?

To appreciate who the Springboks are, it helps to look back in time to who they were. A recent book by David McLennan, The Watershed Tour, does just that with a fascinating exploration of the 1949 All Blacks tour to southern Africa.

IAN MACLEOD