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

-

12.8.2026

Mental Health Warning: Only Use Data From The Common Sense Platforms

STAFF WRITER -

12.8.2026

South Africa’s Farm Jobs Fell Mildly From the First Quarter but Remained at a Decent Level

WANDILE SIHLOBO -

12.8.2026

Ramaphosa and the GNU Suffer a Jobs Disaster

THE EDITORIAL BOARD -

12.8.2026

Fire on the Point — Quis Nisi Nos?

GREG MILLS -

12.8.2026

They’re Lying to You Again

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 12.8.2026

Women in South Africa – Abandoned by Men to Raise Families Alone

STAFF WRITER

- 12.8.2026

New Poll: South Africans Want Patrice Motsepe to Replace Ramaphosa

FRANS CRONJE

- 12.8.2026

The ANC Still Has a Way Back

POLITICS DESK

- 11.8.2026

The Common Sense’s Diary – The People Know Better Than The Elites

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 11.8.2026

IAN CAMERON

The SAPS Amendment Bill Must Do More Than Modernise an Old Law

Ian Cameron, who chairs Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police, argues that Parliament should not treat the SAPS Amendment Bill as reform already achieved.

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

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

SIMON LINCOLN READER

Time For a Crowdfunded Inquiry Into the Media

DAVID ANSARA

Property Rights Have Their Day in Court

WANDILE SIHLOBO

We Must Deepen Intra-BRICS Agricultural Trade

GREG MILLS

The Empire Strikes Back

SHRTS

VIEW ALL

PLLING

VIEW ALL

Support for Political Parties in South Africa

New polling shows the ANC creeping back toward territory it hasn't touched since one of its worst moments in recent memory.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Support by Constituency in South Africa

We asked black voters, township residents, the poorest voters, and rural voters who they would back today. We have the answers, visualized just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Support for Political Parties in Johannesburg

We asked Johannesburg voters who they would back if an election were held today, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Views of the Supreme Court split sharply along party lines

Just a quarter of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view the US Supreme Court favourably, one of the lowest ratings from either party since Pew began asking the question in 1987. Republicans remain far more positive at 69%, though that too is down from its 2019 peak. Overall favourability has fallen 20 points since April 2021.

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

Support for Political Parties in South Africa

New polling shows the ANC creeping back toward territory it hasn't touched since one of its worst moments in recent memory.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Support by Constituency in South Africa

We asked black voters, township residents, the poorest voters, and rural voters who they would back today. We have the answers, visualized just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Support for Political Parties in Johannesburg

We asked Johannesburg voters who they would back if an election were held today, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Views of the Supreme Court split sharply along party lines

Just a quarter of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view the US Supreme Court favourably, one of the lowest ratings from either party since Pew began asking the question in 1987. Republicans remain far more positive at 69%, though that too is down from its 2019 peak. Overall favourability has fallen 20 points since April 2021.

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

Support for Political Parties in South Africa

New polling shows the ANC creeping back toward territory it hasn't touched since one of its worst moments in recent memory.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Support by Constituency in South Africa

We asked black voters, township residents, the poorest voters, and rural voters who they would back today. We have the answers, visualized just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Support for Political Parties in Johannesburg

We asked Johannesburg voters who they would back if an election were held today, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Views of the Supreme Court split sharply along party lines

Just a quarter of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view the US Supreme Court favourably, one of the lowest ratings from either party since Pew began asking the question in 1987. Republicans remain far more positive at 69%, though that too is down from its 2019 peak. Overall favourability has fallen 20 points since April 2021.

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

Support for Political Parties in South Africa

New polling shows the ANC creeping back toward territory it hasn't touched since one of its worst moments in recent memory.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

ANC Support by Constituency in South Africa

We asked black voters, township residents, the poorest voters, and rural voters who they would back today. We have the answers, visualized just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Support for Political Parties in Johannesburg

We asked Johannesburg voters who they would back if an election were held today, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Views of the Supreme Court split sharply along party lines

Just a quarter of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents view the US Supreme Court favourably, one of the lowest ratings from either party since Pew began asking the question in 1987. Republicans remain far more positive at 69%, though that too is down from its 2019 peak. Overall favourability has fallen 20 points since April 2021.

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

VIDES

VIEW ALL

New Poll: South Africans Want Patrice Motsepe to Replace Ramaphosa

THE COMMON SENSE

-

12.8.2026

82% Of South Africans Want Ramaphosa Removed.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

9.8.2026

The Public Has Stopped Believing In The GNU

THE COMMON SENSE

-

7.8.2026

The ANC Is Now Below 50% With Every Group That Built It.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

7.8.2026

The ANC Is Down to 18% in Johannesburg (Our New Polls Are Out)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

6.8.2026

New Poll: South Africans Want Patrice Motsepe to Replace Ramaphosa

THE COMMON SENSE

-

12.8.2026

82% Of South Africans Want Ramaphosa Removed.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

9.8.2026

The Public Has Stopped Believing In The GNU

THE COMMON SENSE

-

7.8.2026

The ANC Is Now Below 50% With Every Group That Built It.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

7.8.2026

The ANC Is Down to 18% in Johannesburg (Our New Polls Are Out)

THE COMMON SENSE

-

6.8.2026

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

-

12.8.2026

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

Mental Health Warning: Only Use Data From The Common Sense Platforms

Various silly politicians and other actors are creating their own screenshots and charts purporting to be polls from The Common Sense and the Social Research Foundation.

STAFF WRITER

Special Report: Election 2026 — The Latest Polling

GABRIEL MAKIN

The ANC Still Has a Way Back

POLITICS DESK

The DA and the FF+ Could Govern Tshwane Together

WARWICK GREY

ANC Falls to Third in eThekwini

WARWICK GREY

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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

-

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

Young Africans Like Trump Even Though They Do Not Trust Him

Young Africans are unexpectedly optimistic about Donald Trump’s second presidency, even though most believe his administration would break international law to secure the continent’s resources.

WARWICK GREY

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

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

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

ANC at 34%, the Third Force Returns, Jason Arday, News24's IDAC Apology.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

10.8.2026

IDAC Captured, Fauci's Diaries Exposed, and the Secret War Under South Africa

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.8.2026

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel's Defence Against The Critics

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.8.2026

The Southern African Trade Problem – Wandile Sihlobo Explains

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.7.2026

ANC at 34%, the Third Force Returns, Jason Arday, News24's IDAC Apology.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

10.8.2026

IDAC Captured, Fauci's Diaries Exposed, and the Secret War Under South Africa

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.8.2026

AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel's Defence Against The Critics

THE COMMON SENSE

-

1.8.2026

The Southern African Trade Problem – Wandile Sihlobo Explains

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.7.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

South Africa’s Farm Jobs Fell Mildly From the First Quarter but Remained at a Decent Level

The long-term trend for agricultural jobs is strong, but risks remain.

WANDILE SIHLOBO

Women in South Africa – Abandoned by Men to Raise Families Alone

STAFF WRITER

South Africa Could Halve Unemployment by Taking This Electricity Decision

BHEKI MAHLOBO

The Amazing Story of the Fall and Rise of South Africa’s Government Debt Level

BHEKI MAHLOBO

Six Graphs Show How South Africans Access Healthcare

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