South Africans Are Doing It for Themselves

The state is not going to fix the cities, so enclaves are, once again, the sure bet — and that is not only true for the rich.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

-

27.8.2026

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

KALLIE KRIEL -

27.8.2026

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

ECON DESK -

27.8.2026

SA’s Three Biggest Cities Had Twice as Many Murders as the Entire EU

NEWS DESK -

27.8.2026

Mlondi Mdluli – Inside SA’s New Political Reality

CONVERSATIONS WITH GABRIEL -

27.8.2026

Get Your Education or Go, ANC Tells Aspirant Councillors

STAFF WRITER

- 26.8.2026

DA MP Mark Burke Is a Hero

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

- 26.8.2026

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

WARWICK GREY

- 26.8.2026

DA Most Popular Party Among Women, ANC Among Men

POLITICS WRITER

- 26.8.2026

Police Failure to Track Political Killings Undermines Efforts to Deal with Them

STAFF WRITER

- 26.8.2026

MICHAEL KRANSDORFF

Your Retirement Savings Are Held Hostage by an Outdated Checklist

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

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Big Business and Government Are Complicit in Failing the People

What happens when people stop believing the government and the leadership of the business community when they promise to fix the economy?

TIAAN ESTERHUIZEN

The Power of Organised Enclaves

SIMON LINCOLN READER

ConCourt Ruling Shows Woke Is Wounded, But Not Dead

RICHARD TREN

Sudan Has a Villain. That Doesn't Mean It Has a Hero

SHRTS

VIEW ALL

PLLING

VIEW ALL

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

Ramaphosa's Unfavourability Outstrips His Support

We asked voters how warmly they feel about South Africa's most senior ANC politicians, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Eight in Ten Want Ramaphosa Gone if He Is Found Guilty

We asked voters whether the ANC should remove Cyril Ramaphosa if he is found guilty on Phala Phala, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

The DA Outperforms Its Coalition Partner in Voters' Eyes

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

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Seven in Ten Voters Blame Immigrants for Taking Jobs

We asked voters whether foreign immigrants are taking jobs from South Africans, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Four in Five Say Communities Are Doing Government's Job

We asked voters whether their own communities have taken over what government is meant to do, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Two Thirds of Voters Back an ANC–DA Coalition

We asked voters whether the ANC and DA should govern together where neither wins a majority, 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

Ramaphosa's Unfavourability Outstrips His Support

We asked voters how warmly they feel about South Africa's most senior ANC politicians, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Eight in Ten Want Ramaphosa Gone if He Is Found Guilty

We asked voters whether the ANC should remove Cyril Ramaphosa if he is found guilty on Phala Phala, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

The DA Outperforms Its Coalition Partner in Voters' Eyes

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

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Seven in Ten Voters Blame Immigrants for Taking Jobs

We asked voters whether foreign immigrants are taking jobs from South Africans, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Four in Five Say Communities Are Doing Government's Job

We asked voters whether their own communities have taken over what government is meant to do, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Two Thirds of Voters Back an ANC–DA Coalition

We asked voters whether the ANC and DA should govern together where neither wins a majority, 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

Ramaphosa's Unfavourability Outstrips His Support

We asked voters how warmly they feel about South Africa's most senior ANC politicians, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Eight in Ten Want Ramaphosa Gone if He Is Found Guilty

We asked voters whether the ANC should remove Cyril Ramaphosa if he is found guilty on Phala Phala, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

The DA Outperforms Its Coalition Partner in Voters' Eyes

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

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Seven in Ten Voters Blame Immigrants for Taking Jobs

We asked voters whether foreign immigrants are taking jobs from South Africans, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Four in Five Say Communities Are Doing Government's Job

We asked voters whether their own communities have taken over what government is meant to do, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Two Thirds of Voters Back an ANC–DA Coalition

We asked voters whether the ANC and DA should govern together where neither wins a majority, 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

Ramaphosa's Unfavourability Outstrips His Support

We asked voters how warmly they feel about South Africa's most senior ANC politicians, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Eight in Ten Want Ramaphosa Gone if He Is Found Guilty

We asked voters whether the ANC should remove Cyril Ramaphosa if he is found guilty on Phala Phala, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

The DA Outperforms Its Coalition Partner in Voters' Eyes

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

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Seven in Ten Voters Blame Immigrants for Taking Jobs

We asked voters whether foreign immigrants are taking jobs from South Africans, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Four in Five Say Communities Are Doing Government's Job

We asked voters whether their own communities have taken over what government is meant to do, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Two Thirds of Voters Back an ANC–DA Coalition

We asked voters whether the ANC and DA should govern together where neither wins a majority, and we have the answers, visualised just for you.

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

VIDES

VIEW ALL

The Constitutional Court Wrecked South Africa's Economy

THE COMMON SENSE

-

26.8.2026

Is The Common Sense Too Soft on the ANC? Frans Cronje Answers the Critics

THE COMMON SENSE

-

23.8.2026

Could MK Lead South Africa? The One Mistake That Sank the ANC and the EFF

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.8.2026

The Constitutional Court Wrecked South Africa's Economy

THE COMMON SENSE

-

26.8.2026

Is The Common Sense Too Soft on the ANC? Frans Cronje Answers the Critics

THE COMMON SENSE

-

23.8.2026

Could MK Lead South Africa? The One Mistake That Sank the ANC and the EFF

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.8.2026

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

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

South Africa’s economic hub is on the precipice.

ECON DESK

SA’s Three Biggest Cities Had Twice as Many Murders as the Entire EU

NEWS DESK

Get Your Education or Go, ANC Tells Aspirant Councillors

STAFF WRITER

DA Most Popular Party Among Women, ANC Among Men

POLITICS WRITER

Police Failure to Track Political Killings Undermines Efforts to Deal with Them

STAFF WRITER

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The Common Sense

daily mailer

Our sharpest stories, straight to your inbox.

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

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Sign up to receive

The Common Sense

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Our sharpest stories, straight to your inbox.

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

VIEW ALL

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

China has taken a vast lead in the global robotics industry. This has implications for the great US-versus-China battle of the next two decades and presents an enormous opportunity for South Africa if its unity government could get its policy house in order.

WARWICK GREY

Report Warns Afghan Christians Face Crimes Against Humanity and Risk of Genocide

FOREIGN DESK

AI Drone Cowboys Could Transform South African Farming

NEWS DESK

Fire on the Point — Quis Nisi Nos?

GREG MILLS

Young Africans Like Trump Even Though They Do Not Trust Him

WARWICK GREY

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

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

What Happens to Pretoria if the DA Wins Back Tshwane?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

19.8.2026

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

What Happens to Pretoria if the DA Wins Back Tshwane?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

19.8.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

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

South Africa’s economic hub is on the precipice.

ECON DESK

SA’s Three Biggest Cities Had Twice as Many Murders as the Entire EU

NEWS DESK

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

WARWICK GREY

Majority of South Africans Say Communities Are Taking Over Government’s Job

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

South Africans Will Continue to Enjoy Lower Food Prices This Year

WANDILE SIHLOBO

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

The Comrades Marathon Goes It Alone

David Ansara writes on the decision by the Comrades Marathon Association to end its affiliation with provincial and national athletics bodies.

DAVID ANSARA

South Africans Are Doing It for Themselves

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

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

SA’s Three Biggest Cities Had Twice as Many Murders as the Entire EU

Mlondi Mdluli – Inside SA’s New Political Reality

Get Your Education or Go, ANC Tells Aspirant Councillors

DA MP Mark Burke Is a Hero

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

DA Most Popular Party Among Women, ANC Among Men

Police Failure to Track Political Killings Undermines Efforts to Deal with Them

Your Retirement Savings Are Held Hostage by an Outdated Checklist

Big Business and Government Are Complicit in Failing the People

The Power of Organised Enclaves

ConCourt Ruling Shows Woke Is Wounded, But Not Dead

Dispatch from Washington

Sudan Has a Villain. That Doesn't Mean It Has a Hero

SHRTS

PLLING

Voters Back a DA Motion of No Confidence in Ramaphosa

Only One in Five Say Life Has Improved Under the GNU

Motsepe Is the Clear Front-Runner to Lead the ANC

Ramaphosa's Unfavourability Outstrips His Support

Eight in Ten Want Ramaphosa Gone if He Is Found Guilty

The DA Outperforms Its Coalition Partner in Voters' Eyes

Seven in Ten Voters Blame Immigrants for Taking Jobs

Four in Five Say Communities Are Doing Government's Job

Two Thirds of Voters Back an ANC–DA Coalition

Voters Back a DA Motion of No Confidence in Ramaphosa

Only One in Five Say Life Has Improved Under the GNU

Motsepe Is the Clear Front-Runner to Lead the ANC

Ramaphosa's Unfavourability Outstrips His Support

Eight in Ten Want Ramaphosa Gone if He Is Found Guilty

The DA Outperforms Its Coalition Partner in Voters' Eyes

Seven in Ten Voters Blame Immigrants for Taking Jobs

Four in Five Say Communities Are Doing Government's Job

Two Thirds of Voters Back an ANC–DA Coalition

Voters Back a DA Motion of No Confidence in Ramaphosa

Only One in Five Say Life Has Improved Under the GNU

Motsepe Is the Clear Front-Runner to Lead the ANC

Ramaphosa's Unfavourability Outstrips His Support

Eight in Ten Want Ramaphosa Gone if He Is Found Guilty

The DA Outperforms Its Coalition Partner in Voters' Eyes

Seven in Ten Voters Blame Immigrants for Taking Jobs

Four in Five Say Communities Are Doing Government's Job

Two Thirds of Voters Back an ANC–DA Coalition

Voters Back a DA Motion of No Confidence in Ramaphosa

Only One in Five Say Life Has Improved Under the GNU

Motsepe Is the Clear Front-Runner to Lead the ANC

Ramaphosa's Unfavourability Outstrips His Support

Eight in Ten Want Ramaphosa Gone if He Is Found Guilty

The DA Outperforms Its Coalition Partner in Voters' Eyes

Seven in Ten Voters Blame Immigrants for Taking Jobs

Four in Five Say Communities Are Doing Government's Job

Two Thirds of Voters Back an ANC–DA Coalition

VIDES

The Constitutional Court Wrecked South Africa's Economy

Did the ANC Ever Deliver?

DA Keeps Cape Town

Is The Common Sense Too Soft on the ANC? Frans Cronje Answers the Critics

Could MK Lead South Africa? The One Mistake That Sank the ANC and the EFF

The Constitutional Court Wrecked South Africa's Economy

Did the ANC Ever Deliver?

DA Keeps Cape Town

Is The Common Sense Too Soft on the ANC? Frans Cronje Answers the Critics

Could MK Lead South Africa? The One Mistake That Sank the ANC and the EFF

LGE 2026: Latest Polling

Special Report: Election 2026 — The Latest Polling

The ANC Still Has a Way Back

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

This Is Who Black South Africans Want to Vote For

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

The ANC Still Has a Way Back

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

This Is Who Black South Africans Want to Vote For

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

PLITICS

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

SA’s Three Biggest Cities Had Twice as Many Murders as the Entire EU

Get Your Education or Go, ANC Tells Aspirant Councillors

DA Most Popular Party Among Women, ANC Among Men