Thirty Years Ago, South Africa’s Economy Was One Third the Size of India’s. Today It Is a Tenth
The average South African is still much richer than the average Indian but the gap is closing quickly.
20.7.2026 |
Marius Roodt
ANC on Back Foot: By-Election Analysis
A brilliant analysis of long-term by-election data by veteran analyst Gareth van Onselen shows that ANC support at local government level is sharply down and will likely hit an all-time low point in November. Data for the DA are more complex to read, showing a clear peak in 2016, which the party will hope it will be able to replicate.
2.7.2026 |
Marius Roodt
If Jo’burg Were Its Own Country It Would be Third-Richest Country in Africa
Johannesburg’s success is vital to South Africa’s success.
22.6.2026 |
Marius Roodt
Coalition Likely to Govern Mpumalanga’s Biggest City After November
The ANC is unlikely to get a majority in Nelspruit after the November LGE.
15.6.2026 |
Marius Roodt
Fierce Election Battle Expected Outside the Metros
Will the ANC be wiped out in Pietermaritzburg too?
12.6.2026 |
Marius Roodt
Coalition Likely in Bloem in November
Free State’s only metro likely to see no party win a majority.
8.6.2026 |
Marius Roodt
DA’s Cape Town Fortress Likely to Remain Unbreached in November
Cape Town could be the only metro where a party wins a majority in November.
5.6.2026 |
Marius Roodt
ANC Faces Oblivion in eThekwini
Latest analysis and polling by The Common Sense shows that the ANC will be lucky to win 10% of the vote in eThekwini in the local government elections.
4.6.2026 |
Marius Roodt
ANC Disaster Looming in Nelson Mandela Bay, Could Survive in Buffalo City
Electoral trends are not looking good for the ANC in the former Port Elizabeth, but better in the former East London.
3.6.2026 |
Marius Roodt
Emfuleni By-Election Win: Is This the DA’s Breakthrough?
Does a by-election in Emfuleni herald the Democratic Alliance’s long-awaited breakthrough among black voters?
29.5.2026 |
Marius Roodt
