The Impossible Economics of Domestic Work

The Common Sense went looking for an answer to a simple question about South African domestic workers and their household finances. What emerged instead was a remarkable story about the resilience of the human spirit and how people survive when, on paper, the numbers suggest that they should not.

REINE OPPERMAN

-

2.9.2026

The Common Sense and Its Thinking Around the ANC

THE EDITORIAL BOARD -

2.9.2026

Over One Hundred Hung Municipalities? We Will Need National Coalition Agreements to Create Stability

JORDAN GRIFFITHS -

2.9.2026

What's Driving the US Yield Spike – And the Bessent-Warsh Standoff Behind That

BHEKI MAHLOBO -

2.9.2026

South Africa's $1 Billion Neighbour

CONVERSATIONS WITH GABRIEL -

2.9.2026

MKP Faces R12.5m Legal Bill Dispute After Payment Deal Fails

POLITICS DESK

- 1.9.2026

The Common Sense’s Diary

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 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

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

It’s Time to Privatise Forensics

There is a simple and straightforward step that Parliament should pursue to cut South Africa's horrific robbery and rape rates.

MAHAN

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

It is timely to publish a reminder from history that in the world of global politics nothing should be taken at face value.

PAULA SLIER

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

KOOS MALAN

Our Concept of Public Office Has Been Corrupted

SIMON LINCOLN READER

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

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

SHRTS

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PLLING

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Voters Now Rate the ANC's GNU Performance More Poorly Than Well

We asked voters how the ANC is handling its role in the Government of National Unity, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Approval of the GNU Has Stalled Below Half

We asked voters whether the Government of National Unity is working, 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

Voters Now Rate the ANC's GNU Performance More Poorly Than Well

We asked voters how the ANC is handling its role in the Government of National Unity, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Approval of the GNU Has Stalled Below Half

We asked voters whether the Government of National Unity is working, 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

Voters Now Rate the ANC's GNU Performance More Poorly Than Well

We asked voters how the ANC is handling its role in the Government of National Unity, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Approval of the GNU Has Stalled Below Half

We asked voters whether the Government of National Unity is working, 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

Voters Now Rate the ANC's GNU Performance More Poorly Than Well

We asked voters how the ANC is handling its role in the Government of National Unity, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Approval of the GNU Has Stalled Below Half

We asked voters whether the Government of National Unity is working, 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

VIDES

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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

Over One Hundred Hung Municipalities? We Will Need National Coalition Agreements to Create Stability

Jordan Griffiths writes on potential coalition agreements ahead of the local government elections.

JORDAN GRIFFITHS

MKP Faces R12.5m Legal Bill Dispute After Payment Deal Fails

POLITICS DESK

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

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

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By clicking Subscribe you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

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

-

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

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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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South Africa's $1 Billion Neighbour

THE COMMON SENSE

-

2.9.2026

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

South Africa's $1 Billion Neighbour

THE COMMON SENSE

-

2.9.2026

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

ECNOMICS

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