The Common Sense
18 August 2026
No. 103Subscribe

Good Morning

Below follows today’s briefing from The Common Sense.

Today's Briefing

Top 5 Stories

1

Columns

The Common Sense’s Diary

Amazon contradicts Ramaphosa’s assurances to Trump, America’s pending coin-flip election, Pretoria has bet the house on blue, there are many sets of ideas but only one set is right, knowing the difference is the most important decision you will ever take, your whole life and your wealth and the happiness of your children hinges on you getting that decision right, the media lied to you about Zille, like a bomb-disposal expert Willie Aucamp removes a mine from the hull of the DA ship but it might not be the only one and the DA must find the others before they detonate.

The Common Sense’s Diary
2

Politics

Have the SRF and The Common Sense Underestimated the DA in Johannesburg?

There is an argument that the data may have underestimated the DA to the advantage of the ANC and ActionSA.

3

Economics & Policy

How South Africa Gets to Work

The way South Africans commute to work reveals an enclave economy taking shape, as private alternatives expand while poorer commuters absorb the costs of state failure.

4

Columns

The Likely AGOA Extension is Positive for South Africa’s Agriculture

Wandile Sihlobo writes on the importance of the US to South Africa’s agricultural sector.

5

Economics & Policy

Water Bill a Threat to South Africa’s Economic Future, IRR Warns MPs

Johannesburg-based think tank says racial requirements in Bill could severely harm South African agriculture.

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Listen & Watch

Podcast & Video of the Day

Every Chart That Decides South Africa's 2026 Election

Every Chart That Decides South Africa's 2026 Election

Frans Cronje and Gabriel Makin go through The Common Sense's Election 2026 Special Report chart by chart.

Someone Is Faking Our Polls

Someone Is Faking Our Polls

Bot accounts are circulating fake polls dressed up in The Common Sense's name — complete with invent…

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