Chris Roper’s Prescriptions Won’t Save Media

Benji Shulman writes on the attack on a young black journalist.

BENJI SHULMAN

-

13.6.2026

The Green Hydrogen "Bomb", South Africa's Illicit Economy And California's Broken Election System

THE TALKING SENSE PODCAST -

13.6.2026

How EU Aviation Fuel Mandates Threaten SA Biodiversity

WARWICK GREY -

13.6.2026

How to Save City Power and Johannesburg Water

RICHARD WILKINSON -

13.6.2026

How the UK Learnt from South Africa

SIMON LINCOLN READER -

13.6.2026

Trump Claims Iran Deal Imminent Amid Entrapment Risks

STAFF WRITER

- 12.6.2026

Bafana Bafana Humiliated by Mexico: All We Can Do Is Laugh at the Memes

JOSH MAKAMA

- 12.6.2026

Do Any Bafana Bafana Stars Make Africa’s Top 10 Players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

SPORTS DESK

- 12.6.2026

UK Defence Minister Resigns Amid Warnings Over Military Readiness and Funding

FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUREAU

- 12.6.2026

Video Shines Light on Student-on-Teacher Violence

STAFF WRITER

- 12.6.2026

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Can the DA Govern South Africa Better Than the ANC Has?

Serious questions are being asked about whether the Democratic Alliance has what it takes to turn the country around.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

The Common Sense’s Diary: Have We Reached Peak CR?

Ramaphosa identifies the problem, he calls for something to be done, we are past peak CR now, and peak Trump, what about peak DA, and what happens if South Africa passes both peak ANC and peak DA?

FRANS CRONJE

What Foreign Investors are Being Told About South Africa’s Next Two Years

RW JOHNSON

Set Jo’burg free

SIMON LINCOLN READER

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

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

YouGov polling conducted from 19 to 20 May 2026 asked United Kingdom (UK) adults which types of media they consume regularly, meaning at least once a week. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2 130 UK adults aged 18 and over.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked voters in Tshwane how they think service delivery would change if each party governed the municipality by itself, not in a coalition. Respondents could say the service would greatly improve, somewhat improve, stay the same, somewhat worsen, or greatly worsen.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

The Economist/YouGov polling conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked US adults whether they think the construction of new data centers — large facilities housing computer servers for storing and transmitting data — are good or bad for the country. Respondents could say very good, somewhat good, neither good nor bad, somewhat bad, very bad, or don’t know.

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

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

YouGov polling conducted from 19 to 20 May 2026 asked United Kingdom (UK) adults which types of media they consume regularly, meaning at least once a week. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2 130 UK adults aged 18 and over.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked voters in Tshwane how they think service delivery would change if each party governed the municipality by itself, not in a coalition. Respondents could say the service would greatly improve, somewhat improve, stay the same, somewhat worsen, or greatly worsen.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

The Economist/YouGov polling conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked US adults whether they think the construction of new data centers — large facilities housing computer servers for storing and transmitting data — are good or bad for the country. Respondents could say very good, somewhat good, neither good nor bad, somewhat bad, very bad, or don’t know.

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

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

YouGov polling conducted from 19 to 20 May 2026 asked United Kingdom (UK) adults which types of media they consume regularly, meaning at least once a week. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2 130 UK adults aged 18 and over.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked voters in Tshwane how they think service delivery would change if each party governed the municipality by itself, not in a coalition. Respondents could say the service would greatly improve, somewhat improve, stay the same, somewhat worsen, or greatly worsen.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

The Economist/YouGov polling conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked US adults whether they think the construction of new data centers — large facilities housing computer servers for storing and transmitting data — are good or bad for the country. Respondents could say very good, somewhat good, neither good nor bad, somewhat bad, very bad, or don’t know.

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

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

YouGov polling conducted from 19 to 20 May 2026 asked United Kingdom (UK) adults which types of media they consume regularly, meaning at least once a week. The survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of 2 130 UK adults aged 18 and over.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

SRF polling conducted in late February and early March 2026 asked voters in Tshwane how they think service delivery would change if each party governed the municipality by itself, not in a coalition. Respondents could say the service would greatly improve, somewhat improve, stay the same, somewhat worsen, or greatly worsen.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

The Economist/YouGov polling conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2026 asked US adults whether they think the construction of new data centers — large facilities housing computer servers for storing and transmitting data — are good or bad for the country. Respondents could say very good, somewhat good, neither good nor bad, somewhat bad, very bad, or don’t know.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

VIDES

VIEW ALL

How South Africa Killed Its Manufacturing Sector and Trapped Millions in Poverty

THE COMMON SENSE

-

11.6.2026

Data Centres Are Fantastic, Do Not Believe The Lies

THE COMMON SENSE

-

5.6.2026

Taking Over Jo'burg Could Destroy the DA, Here's Why

THE COMMON SENSE

-

2.6.2026

Where Did the Cash in Ramaphosa's Couch Come From?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.5.2026

This Is How The Iran War Ends

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.5.2026

How South Africa Killed Its Manufacturing Sector and Trapped Millions in Poverty

THE COMMON SENSE

-

11.6.2026

Data Centres Are Fantastic, Do Not Believe The Lies

THE COMMON SENSE

-

5.6.2026

Taking Over Jo'burg Could Destroy the DA, Here's Why

THE COMMON SENSE

-

2.6.2026

Where Did the Cash in Ramaphosa's Couch Come From?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

29.5.2026

This Is How The Iran War Ends

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.5.2026

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

-

10.6.2026

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

How EU Aviation Fuel Mandates Threaten SA Biodiversity

James Myburgh warns of an “impending ecological disaster” in the Western Cape, where a proposed green hydrogen and synthetic aviation fuel plant threatens fragile aquifers, wetlands, and local biodiversity. He highlights the environmental, water, and social risks, emphasising that the project primarily serves European mandates while offering minimal benefit to local communities.

WARWICK GREY

UK Defence Minister Resigns Amid Warnings Over Military Readiness and Funding

FOREIGN AFFAIRS BUREAU

Video Shines Light on Student-on-Teacher Violence

STAFF WRITER

Fierce Election Battle Expected Outside the Metros

MARIUS ROODT

Who Funds South Africa’s Political Parties?

WARWICK GREY

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Our sharpest stories, straight to your inbox.

The War on Iran

The War in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz: Six Scenarios and How They Will Shape the Global Economy

In this Special Report, The Common Sense sets out six detailed scenarios for the war in Iran together with the global and market implications.

FRANS CRONJE

-

12.6.2026

Trump Claims Iran Deal Imminent Amid Entrapment Risks

STAFF WRITER

Iran War Update: Trump Faces Entrapment Risk

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

US and Iran Still on Track for Deal to Drop Oil Prices

STAFF WRITER

SA Petrol Price Could Fall Steeply as War Premium Fades

ECONOMICS DESK

Trump Claims Iran Deal Imminent Amid Entrapment Risks

STAFF WRITER

Iran War Update: Trump Faces Entrapment Risk

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

US and Iran Still on Track for Deal to Drop Oil Prices

STAFF WRITER

SA Petrol Price Could Fall Steeply as War Premium Fades

ECONOMICS DESK

GLBAL

VIEW ALL

Trump Claims Iran Deal Imminent Amid Entrapment Risks

Oil has fallen below $90 as the US firmly signals a potential peace pact, but Tehran insists no final agreement exists.

STAFF WRITER

Iran War Update: Trump Faces Entrapment Risk

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Milei's Economic Gamble Delivers Results for Argentina

STAFF WRITER

Burnham Leading in By-Election Poll

FOREIGN DESK

South African Official Among Those Mentioned in Concerning UN Watchdog Report

NEWS DESK

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

The Green Hydrogen "Bomb", South Africa's Illicit Economy And California's Broken Election System

THE COMMON SENSE

-

13.6.2026

School Capture: The Hidden Activist Takeover of SA Education | Richard Wilkinson

THE COMMON SENSE

-

10.6.2026

No Factories, No Votes, No Accountability, South Africa and the West Are Failing the Same Way

THE COMMON SENSE

-

8.6.2026

Frans Cronje: Is South Africa Heading For Riots This Winter? (Here's The Data)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

4.6.2026

The Green Hydrogen "Bomb", South Africa's Illicit Economy And California's Broken Election System

THE COMMON SENSE

-

13.6.2026

School Capture: The Hidden Activist Takeover of SA Education | Richard Wilkinson

THE COMMON SENSE

-

10.6.2026

No Factories, No Votes, No Accountability, South Africa and the West Are Failing the Same Way

THE COMMON SENSE

-

8.6.2026

Frans Cronje: Is South Africa Heading For Riots This Winter? (Here's The Data)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

4.6.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

Milei's Economic Gamble Delivers Results for Argentina

Is the eccentric Argentinian leader turning things around in his country?

STAFF WRITER

Afghanistan and South Africa Have Same Level of Fixed Investment

ECONOMICS DESK

Shadow Economy Threatens SA’s Security

NEWS DESK

Sakeliga Strikes Blow Against BEE

STAFF WRITER

Marginal GDP Growth in First Quarter

ECON DESK

LFE

Beyond Mars and the Next Frontier of Space Exploration

Much of the solar system is horribly uninhabitable for humans.

RW JOHNSON

Beyond Mars and the Next Frontier of Space Exploration

On to Mars

Fly Me to the Moon

SPRTS

Bafana Bafana Humiliated by Mexico: All We Can Do Is Laugh at the Memes

Bafana Bafana were humiliated 2-0 by 10-man Mexico in their World Cup opener. Poor tactics, self-inflicted red cards, and a complete lack of threat left South Africa also-rans. The only silver lining is that the game and post-match reaction generated some humorous and viral content.

JOSH MAKAMA

Chris Roper’s Prescriptions Won’t Save Media

The Green Hydrogen "Bomb", South Africa's Illicit Economy And California's Broken Election System

How EU Aviation Fuel Mandates Threaten SA Biodiversity

How to Save City Power and Johannesburg Water

How the UK Learnt from South Africa

Trump Claims Iran Deal Imminent Amid Entrapment Risks

Bafana Bafana Humiliated by Mexico: All We Can Do Is Laugh at the Memes

Do Any Bafana Bafana Stars Make Africa’s Top 10 Players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

UK Defence Minister Resigns Amid Warnings Over Military Readiness and Funding

Video Shines Light on Student-on-Teacher Violence

Can the DA Govern South Africa Better Than the ANC Has?

The Common Sense’s Diary: Have We Reached Peak CR?

What Foreign Investors are Being Told About South Africa’s Next Two Years

The Battle for the Cities

Set Jo’burg free

What Game is the DA Playing?

SHRTS

PLLING

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

ANC as Accountable as the DA

DA Rated More Positively Than FF+ in GNU Polling

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

ANC as Accountable as the DA

DA Rated More Positively Than FF+ in GNU Polling

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

ANC as Accountable as the DA

DA Rated More Positively Than FF+ in GNU Polling

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

Half Of US Workers Now Use AI At Work

ANC as Accountable as the DA

DA Rated More Positively Than FF+ in GNU Polling

Social Media Leads TV Among Young Britons

DA Stands Out In Tshwane Poll On Municipal Performance

Americans Divided On New Data Centers

VIDES

How South Africa Killed Its Manufacturing Sector and Trapped Millions in Poverty

Data Centres Are Fantastic, Do Not Believe The Lies

Taking Over Jo'burg Could Destroy the DA, Here's Why

Where Did the Cash in Ramaphosa's Couch Come From?

This Is How The Iran War Ends

How South Africa Killed Its Manufacturing Sector and Trapped Millions in Poverty

Data Centres Are Fantastic, Do Not Believe The Lies

Taking Over Jo'burg Could Destroy the DA, Here's Why

Where Did the Cash in Ramaphosa's Couch Come From?

This Is How The Iran War Ends

SA's Illicit Economy

Shadow State Rising

How a Parallel Illicit Economy Threatens National Security

Illegal Mining Threatens SA Mining Industry

Shadow Economy Threatens SA’s Security

More Than 10 Dead in Illicit Mining Hotspot

How a Parallel Illicit Economy Threatens National Security

Illegal Mining Threatens SA Mining Industry

Shadow Economy Threatens SA’s Security

More Than 10 Dead in Illicit Mining Hotspot

PLITICS

How EU Aviation Fuel Mandates Threaten SA Biodiversity

UK Defence Minister Resigns Amid Warnings Over Military Readiness and Funding

Video Shines Light on Student-on-Teacher Violence

Fierce Election Battle Expected Outside the Metros