Polls Show Race Relations Are Stronger Than Politicians Would Lead You to Believe

South Africans are open to moving away from race-based policy.

NEWS DESK

-

28.7.2026

The Southern African Trade Problem – Wandile Sihlobo Explains

CONVERSATIONS WITH GABRIEL -

28.7.2026

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

FOREIGN DESK -

28.7.2026

SA Army Preparing for Underground Warfare

NEWS DESK

- 28.7.2026

Southern Africa Must Avoid Agricultural Trade Friction and Focus on Collaboration

WANDILE SIHLOBO

- 28.7.2026

Terrorist Attacks on Berlin Pride a Warning About Terror Groups in Europe

STAFF WRITER

- 27.7.2026

Zuma Now in Charge of MKP’s Money

POLITICS DESK

- 27.7.2026

The Impeachment Clock Stops, For Now

STAFF WRITER

- 27.7.2026

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Ramaphosa’s Empty Victory

President Cyril Ramaphosa has led the ANC back full circle to the point it hoped it was reforming away from.

RICHARD TREN

Dispatch from Washington

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

SIMON LINCOLN READER

Rubio Is Right to Go for Leftist Terrorists

DAVID ANSARA

Tribute to Bill Johnson (1943 – 2026)

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

At the Heart of the Government’s Begging Bowl is a Lack of Self-Respect

SHRTS

VIEW ALL

PLLING

VIEW ALL

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

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

The Common Sense, in partnership with the Social Research Foundation, measured voter opinion in three of South Africa’s metros — Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini. In each, respondents were asked whether the ANC and the DA were performing very well, quite well, quite poorly, or very poorly in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

New polling from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan US research organisation that tracks public attitudes and social trends, shows that working parents are struggling to keep family life and working life apart.

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

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

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

The Common Sense, in partnership with the Social Research Foundation, measured voter opinion in three of South Africa’s metros — Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini. In each, respondents were asked whether the ANC and the DA were performing very well, quite well, quite poorly, or very poorly in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

New polling from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan US research organisation that tracks public attitudes and social trends, shows that working parents are struggling to keep family life and working life apart.

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

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

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

The Common Sense, in partnership with the Social Research Foundation, measured voter opinion in three of South Africa’s metros — Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini. In each, respondents were asked whether the ANC and the DA were performing very well, quite well, quite poorly, or very poorly in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

New polling from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan US research organisation that tracks public attitudes and social trends, shows that working parents are struggling to keep family life and working life apart.

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

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

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

The Common Sense, in partnership with the Social Research Foundation, measured voter opinion in three of South Africa’s metros — Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini. In each, respondents were asked whether the ANC and the DA were performing very well, quite well, quite poorly, or very poorly in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

POLLING CORRESPONDENT

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

New polling from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan US research organisation that tracks public attitudes and social trends, shows that working parents are struggling to keep family life and working life apart.

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

VIDES

VIEW ALL

How El Nino Could Trigger Droughts and Food Crises Across Southern Africa.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

21.7.2026

The China Debt Crisis No One Sees Coming

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.7.2026

SA's Enclave Future - How To Prepare For It

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.7.2026

The Truth About Black Economic Progress in South Africa

THE COMMON SENSE

-

17.7.2026

The Rogue GNU Claims Another Scalp in Tshwane.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

16.7.2026

How El Nino Could Trigger Droughts and Food Crises Across Southern Africa.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

21.7.2026

The China Debt Crisis No One Sees Coming

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.7.2026

SA's Enclave Future - How To Prepare For It

THE COMMON SENSE

-

20.7.2026

The Truth About Black Economic Progress in South Africa

THE COMMON SENSE

-

17.7.2026

The Rogue GNU Claims Another Scalp in Tshwane.

THE COMMON SENSE

-

16.7.2026

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

-

9.7.2026

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

PLITICS

VIEW ALL

Zuma Tightens Control of MKP

The former president brooks no challenge inside his party in the name of democracy.

POLITICS DESK

Polls Show Race Relations Are Stronger Than Politicians Would Lead You to Believe

NEWS DESK

SA Army Preparing for Underground Warfare

NEWS DESK

Zuma Now in Charge of MKP’s Money

POLITICS DESK

The Impeachment Clock Stops, For Now

STAFF WRITER

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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

-

20.6.2026

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

GLBAL

VIEW ALL

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

A chance conversation among The Common Sense staffers at an editorial meeting last week led to thinking that pet ownership trends in China may amount to more than an endearing insight into the evolution of that society.

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

America’s Most Toxic Export

WARWICK GREY

PDCASTS

VIEW ALL

The Southern African Trade Problem – Wandile Sihlobo Explains

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.7.2026

Seven Prime Ministers In 10 Years, How Did The UK Get Here?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.7.2026

Financial Mail Row, Anne Widdecombe Murder, and UK Cabinet Reshuffle

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.7.2026

Revealed: The SA government owns over 6 000 homes | Minister Dean Macpherson

THE COMMON SENSE

-

22.7.2026

The Southern African Trade Problem – Wandile Sihlobo Explains

THE COMMON SENSE

-

28.7.2026

Seven Prime Ministers In 10 Years, How Did The UK Get Here?

THE COMMON SENSE

-

27.7.2026

Financial Mail Row, Anne Widdecombe Murder, and UK Cabinet Reshuffle

THE COMMON SENSE

-

25.7.2026

Revealed: The SA government owns over 6 000 homes | Minister Dean Macpherson

THE COMMON SENSE

-

22.7.2026

ECNOMICS

VIEW ALL

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

A chance conversation among The Common Sense staffers at an editorial meeting last week led to thinking that pet ownership trends in China may amount to more than an endearing insight into the evolution of that society.

FOREIGN DESK

US Economy Remains Resilient as Republicans Eye Midterm Risks

ECON DESK

What Another 30 Years of 1% Growth Looks Like

WARWICK GREY

How Rich European Activists Try Keep South Africa Poor

WARWICK GREY

A Mild Rise in Tariffs in the US and Implications for SA Agriculture

WANDILE SIHLOBO

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

Polls Show Race Relations Are Stronger Than Politicians Would Lead You to Believe

Zuma Tightens Control of MKP

The Southern African Trade Problem – Wandile Sihlobo Explains

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

The Common Sense’s Diary

SA Army Preparing for Underground Warfare

Southern Africa Must Avoid Agricultural Trade Friction and Focus on Collaboration

Terrorist Attacks on Berlin Pride a Warning About Terror Groups in Europe

Zuma Now in Charge of MKP’s Money

The Impeachment Clock Stops, For Now

Ramaphosa’s Empty Victory

Dispatch from Washington

Rubio Is Right to Go for Leftist Terrorists

RW Johnson In His Own Words

Tribute to Bill Johnson (1943 – 2026)

At the Heart of the Government’s Begging Bowl is a Lack of Self-Respect

SHRTS

PLLING

What South Africans Want from Foreign Policy

Polling Reveals Why the DA (Through Tony Leon) Was Targeted

More Than Half of Americans View NATO Favourably

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

What South Africans Want from Foreign Policy

Polling Reveals Why the DA (Through Tony Leon) Was Targeted

More Than Half of Americans View NATO Favourably

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

What South Africans Want from Foreign Policy

Polling Reveals Why the DA (Through Tony Leon) Was Targeted

More Than Half of Americans View NATO Favourably

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

What South Africans Want from Foreign Policy

Polling Reveals Why the DA (Through Tony Leon) Was Targeted

More Than Half of Americans View NATO Favourably

Across Three Metros, the DA is Judged the Better GNU Partner

Working Mothers Carry the Heaviest Load

DA Leads In Gauteng, ANC Close Behind

Eastern European Youth Thrive While Western Counterparts Decline

Who eThekwini voters like, and who they reject

AI-Adopting Firms Are Hiring And Firing More

VIDES

How El Nino Could Trigger Droughts and Food Crises Across Southern Africa.

The China Debt Crisis No One Sees Coming

SA's Enclave Future - How To Prepare For It

The Truth About Black Economic Progress in South Africa

The Rogue GNU Claims Another Scalp in Tshwane.

How El Nino Could Trigger Droughts and Food Crises Across Southern Africa.

The China Debt Crisis No One Sees Coming

SA's Enclave Future - How To Prepare For It

The Truth About Black Economic Progress in South Africa

The Rogue GNU Claims Another Scalp in Tshwane.

Scenarios: SA in 2034

South Africa in 2034: The Latest Scenarios

Why South Africa is Too Uncertain Now for Forecast

South Africa’s Path Back to a 4% Rate of Economic Growth

The ANC Can Get Back to a Majority – and Democratically Too

This is What Will Happen to South Africa by 2034 (We Are Almost Sure)

Why South Africa is Too Uncertain Now for Forecast

South Africa’s Path Back to a 4% Rate of Economic Growth

The ANC Can Get Back to a Majority – and Democratically Too

This is What Will Happen to South Africa by 2034 (We Are Almost Sure)

PLITICS

Zuma Tightens Control of MKP

Polls Show Race Relations Are Stronger Than Politicians Would Lead You to Believe

SA Army Preparing for Underground Warfare

Zuma Now in Charge of MKP’s Money