The Common Sense’s Diary

GHL did a good thing, he should stay on that track, the people want strength, the ANC’s master plan is to ensure parity with the DA, CR has a dilemma now, the DA must not make the ANC’s voter mistake, Elon Musk is the opposite of South Africa, we were right on Iran and the Israelis are wrong, the best thing The Common Sense ever did and why nobody cares

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

-

18.6.2026

Broos Has To Take The Handbrake Off

SPORTS WRITER -

18.6.2026

South Africa Set to Raise Global Unemployment Rate

ECON DESK -

18.6.2026

South Africa Produces Its First Bond Villain

SIMON LINCOLN READER -

18.6.2026

South Africa's Illicit Economy Could Push It Back onto the Money Laundering Grey List

THE EDITORIAL BOARD -

18.6.2026

How the US-Iran Deal Could Slash SA Petrol Prices.

FRANS CRONJE

- 18.6.2026

SA Inflation Peaks, Relief for Consumers Likely for Rest of Year

ECON DESK

- 17.6.2026

Hill-Lewis Has Done the Right Thing

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 17.6.2026

South Africa’s FMD Plan Is Failing Because It Is Aiming at the Wrong Target

ANDREW MORPHEW

- 17.6.2026

What the End of the Iran War Could Mean for South African Households

ECONOMICS DESK

- 17.6.2026

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Trollip, Beaumont, and Mashaba Are Quite Right: The GNU Has Failed South Africans

Two years into the Government of National Unity, the picture for ordinary South Africans remains troubling.

OMRY MAKGOALE

16 June 1976: “I Was There”

Omry Makgoale, one of the student leaders during the 1976 student uprisings, tells us what it was like on that day, fifty years ago today.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

The Common Sense Was Right on the Iran War

MARIUS ROODT

Coalition Likely to Govern Mpumalanga’s Biggest City After November

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

The Two Biggest Parties Are Failing South Africa

RW JOHNSON

Is Direct Democracy The Solution To The Looming Global Debt Crisis?

SHRTS

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PLLING

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIDES

VIEW ALL

How the US-Iran Deal Could Slash SA Petrol Prices.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

18.6.2026

South Africa’s Shadow State: How the Illicit Economy is Taking Over

THE COMMON SENSE

-

17.6.2026

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

How the US-Iran Deal Could Slash SA Petrol Prices.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

18.6.2026

South Africa’s Shadow State: How the Illicit Economy is Taking Over

THE COMMON SENSE

-

17.6.2026

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

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

Clock Ticks Down to 30 June Explosion as Risks Loom

With just weeks remaining until 30 June, South Africa's security services, businesses, and communities are preparing for what could become one of the most significant domestic flashpoints since the July 2021 unrest – but the date should pass without a replication of July 2021.

POLITICS DESK

They Helped To Transform This Country, Although At The Cost Of Their Blood

STAFF WRITER

AfriForum to Malema: We Build, While the State Breaks

STAFF WRITER

Johannesburg Council Approves Punishing Tariff Increases

STAFF WRITER

US and Iran Reach Draft Peace Deal

STAFF WRITER

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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

South Africa Set to Raise Global Unemployment Rate

South Africa will soon chair one of the world’s most important labour bodies and has promised to “lead and demonstrate … the South African way” when it comes to job creation.

ECON DESK

Trump Claims Iran Deal Imminent Amid Entrapment Risks

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

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

Soweto Uprising 1976: Omry Makgoale’s Unforgettable Student Eyewitness Account

THE COMMON SENSE

-

16.6.2026

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

THE COMMON SENSE

-

14.6.2026

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

Soweto Uprising 1976: Omry Makgoale’s Unforgettable Student Eyewitness Account

THE COMMON SENSE

-

16.6.2026

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

THE COMMON SENSE

-

14.6.2026

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

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

South Africa Set to Raise Global Unemployment Rate

South Africa will soon chair one of the world’s most important labour bodies and has promised to “lead and demonstrate … the South African way” when it comes to job creation.

ECON DESK