The Talking Sense Podcast

Odcinki

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  Mbeki's Counter-Revolution Theory, Myburgh in Washington and the 10 Million SA Left in Poverty 02.10.2026 1godz 23min

  Thabo Mbeki's 120-page thesis says a counter-revolution planted inside the ANC brought the party down. Frans Cronje explains why its own policies did it, and why growing at 5% a year since 2008 would have lifted more than 10 million South Africans out of poverty.Also this week: James Myburgh on his National Press Club speech on the history of farm attacks and why the violence was normalised, how the foot-and-mouth crisis was fixed once farmers could buy their own vaccines, Ronald Lamola questioning debt repayments within earshot of Wall Street, Andy Burnham and the UK's bond market problem, and Richard Tren on how US student loans drove up university fees.Become a member of The Common Sense for R99 a month and get all the facts and analysis: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeWatch or listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3BPffxR8ZZLUByFmsRCz7BRead the articles discussed:Mbeki Says the ANC was Brought Down by an Orchestrated Counter-Revolution: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/politics/mbeki-says-anc-was-brought-down-orchestrated-counterAsk Not for Whom the Revolution Bays, It Bays for You: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Editorials/ask-not-whom-revolution-bays-bays-youIf SA Had Grown at Emerging-Market Rates, More Than 10 Million People Would Have Been Lifted Out of Poverty: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/economics_and_policy/if-sa-had-grown-emerging-market-rates-more-than-10-millionRethinking Empowerment Policy for South Africa's Future: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/editorials/rethinking-empowerment-policy-for-south-africas-futureExpert Explains Origins, History, and Consequences of South Africa's Farm Attack Crisis to America: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/politics/expert-explains-origins-history-consequences-south-africa-sJust How Dangerous Is a South African Farm? We Ran the Numbers: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/politics/just-how-dangerous-south-african-farm-we-ran-numbersSpecial Report: South Africa's Predatory Crime Problem: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/politics/special-report-south-africas-predatory-crime-problemBlow for Steenhuisen as Free State Agriculture Wins for Farmers: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/politics/blow-steenhuisen-as-free-state-agriculture-wins-farmersSimon Lincoln-Reader, Lamola's Ill-Considered Jaunt to the US: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/editorials/lamola-s-ill-considered-jaunt-usInvestors Think South Africa Is Safe Again. November's Elections Could Prove Them Wrong (Bheki Mahlobo on the bond market): https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/videos/investors-think-south-africa-is-
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  The GNU Risk Markets Are Missing, the DA Takes SA's Cities, AI Doomers, and Germany's Split 23.09.2026 1godz 37min

  Markets have priced South African risk down to almost zero on the belief that the GNU holds after November. Frans Cronje and Bheki Mahlobo explain why the foundations are weaker than in 2024, what would reprice SA's bonds overnight, and how that reaches your bond and credit card rates.Also this week: Marius Roodt's research showing the DA is bigger than the ANC in the eight metros, more than 100 hung councils ahead, Cape Town's ConCourt win against racial procurement rules, Simon Lincoln-Reader on Dario Amodei's push to regulate AI, Ronald Lamola with Bernie Sanders in New York, and why Germany's hard left and hard right both won.Become a member of The Common Sense for R99 a month and get all the facts and analysis: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeRead the articles discussed:SA's Cities Have Moved Away from the ANC: Is the Country Next? https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Politics/sa-s-cities-have-moved-away-anc-country-nextCourt Blocks Government's Most Prescriptive Racial Procurement Regime Yet: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Politics/court-blocks-government-s-most-prescriptive-racialHard Right, Hard Left Each Win State Election in Germany: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Global/hard-right-hard-left-each-win-state-election-germanyThe enclave guide, What Families Must Do to Thrive in South Africa's Enclave Future: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Politics/special-report-a-guide-to-what-families-must-do-to-thrive-in-south-africa-s-enclave-futureSimon Lincoln-Reader, Are Calls for AI Regulations Just an Excuse for More Government Control? https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/columns/are-calls-ai-regulations-just-excuse-more-government-controlOn the panel: host Gabriel Makin, Frans Cronje and Simon Lincoln-Reader, with guests Bheki Mahlobo, The Common Sense's economics editor, and Marius Roodt, its deputy editor.Chapters:0:00 Why markets are so optimistic about the GNU9:28 Welcome to Talking Sense11:22 Is the GNU still what it was in 2024?17:26 Overhang and the Constitutional Court wildcard22:53 Markets have priced South African risk at zero25:48 Why bond yields reach your bond and credit card28:21 Why the DA may be right to leave the GNU35:47 Cape Town's ConCourt win on racial procurement42:09 If the 8 metros were a country, the DA would win45:11 Why the ANC is losing rural South Africa too52:55 More than 100 hung councils in November55:09 Why the markets are complacent this time58:03 Dario Amodei, AI regulation and the effective altruists1:17:25 Lamola, Bernie Sanders and the national interest1:27:39 Germany: the AfD and Die Linke both win1:32:19 How bad policy compounds, from Berlin to MK1:36:41 Thanks and goodbyeIf this was worth your time, subscribe and like the video. It costs you nothing and helps The Common Sense reach more South Africans.
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  Springboks For Sale, America Sanctions the ANC, a Serial Killer, Somaliland, and the Enclave Future 17.09.2026 1godz 29min

  Become a member of The Common Sense for R99 a month: https://thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeThis week the Talking Sense panel talks about the Springboks' Baltimore experiment and the bid to buy the Boks, the United States' first sanctions against South Africa, the serial killer in Ekurhuleni, Reform's £72 million weekend in UK party donations, two good things out of Britain, Somaliland's pitch to the West, The Common Sense's special report on the enclave future, and why the DA is a middle-class party.Chapters:0:00 Bongani Baloyi, MK and the ANC's electoral court defeat5:58 Intro7:20 The Springboks for sale: Baltimore and the diaspora17:52 The United States sanctions South Africa25:52 The serial killer in Ekurhuleni37:25 Reform's £72 million weekend: UK party donations55:26 Two good things out of Britain: Jackdaw and assisted dying1:02:52 Somaliland's pitch to the West1:12:41 The Common Sense's enclave special report1:25:44 The DA is a middle-class party1:28:20 OutroRead the pieces discussed in this episode:The Diary — A Summer Night's Eve in Baltimore: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Columns/common-sense-s-diary-summer-night-s-eve-baltimoreUS Announces Sanctions Against South Africa Over Racial Policies: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Politics/us-announces-sanctions-against-south-africa-over-racialSevere Blow to ANC in Six Municipalities Ahead of the Local Government Elections: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Politics/severe-blow-anc-six-municipalities-ahead-local-governmentSPECIAL REPORT — What Families Must Do to Thrive in South Africa's Enclave Future: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Politics/special-report-a-guide-to-what-families-must-do-to-thrive-in-south-africa-s-enclave-futureMembers video — How To Thrive In South Africa's Enclave Future: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/videos/how-to-thrive-in-south-africa-s-enclave-future-members-specialWatch Gabriel's interview with Bongani Baloyi of MK: https://youtu.be/bnOBffnfNXk
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  South Africa's Election Maths Problem, the Black Vote Shatters, the Falklands, and Wouter Basson 10.09.2026 1godz 45min

  Become a member of The Common Sense for just R99 a month: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeThis week on Talking Sense: the election maths problem that could throw November's local government results into chaos — how a party that loses the vote can still end up running the council — plus the fragmenting Black vote in our latest poll, the Falklands back in the news (and what Milei is playing at), the Chagos giveaway, the American midterms and Trump's own goals, the strange return of Wouter Basson, and a rare piece of good news — the Supreme Court of Appeal clears the way for the Western Cape's school reforms.Timestamps:0:00 Pre-show: drinks and banter1:50 The overhang problem: November's election maths10:52 Welcome and this week's menu12:10 The Black vote fragments17:50 How not to read a poll: Ipsos and the SRF24:48 The Falklands: a brief history30:18 Why now? Milei, oil and a weakened Britain40:27 The South African angle: Simon's Town and the South Atlantic43:48 The Chagos giveaway57:42 The American midterms1:09:16 Trump's own goals1:15:09 The strange return of Wouter Basson1:18:48 Basson, Libya and the ANC1:31:02 Good news: the courts clear the Western Cape's school reforms1:36:24 Connect the dots: who funds the obstruction?1:43:52 Wrap-upRead the articles discussed in this episode:— Black Vote Fragments: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Politics/black-vote-fragments— How Equal Education and SADTU Work to Stunt Poor Black Children: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Editorials/how-equal-education-sadtu-work-stunt-poor-black-children— Estimating What South Africa Would Gain from Exploiting Its Oil and Gas Reserves: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Economics%20&%20Policy/estimating-what-south-africa-would-gain-exploiting-its-oilOn the panel this week: Gabriel Makin (host, London), Frans Cronje, Richard Tren (Washington, D.C.), James Myburgh (Bremen) and Simon Lincoln-Reader (London).The Common Sense is South Africa's home of independent news and analysis: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za
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  Milei's Argentina, the US Bond Spike, SA's Strange Crime Stats and Nike Going Woke. 04.09.2026 2godz 4min

  Richard Tren reports from Buenos Aires on Milei's revolution, Frans Cronje explains what the US bond yield spike actually means, James Myburgh unpacks South Africa's mysterious murder decline and the party funding declarations, and Simon Lincoln-Reader tells the story of how Nike went woke and lost its way. Plus: the ANC misses its own candidate registration deadline, the impossible economics of being a domestic worker, and Helen Zille's water project.Articles referenced in this episode:Just How Dangerous Is a South African Farm? We Ran the Numbers: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/politics/just-how-dangerous-south-african-farm-we-ran-numbersWhat's Driving the US Yield Spike — And the Bessent-Warsh Standoff Behind It: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/economics_and_policy/what-s-driving-us-yield-spike-bessent-warsh-standoff-behindThe Impossible Economics of Domestic Work: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/economics_and_policy/impossible-economics-domestic-workRichard Tren — President Trump's Misread of South Africa (RealClearWorld): https://www.realclearworld.com/articles/2026/09/02/president_trumps_misread_of_south_africa_1203862.htmlBecome a member of The Common Sense and get all the facts and analysis for R99 a month: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeSign up for the newsletter: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/newslettersTalking Sense is The Common Sense's weekly panel: host Gabriel Makin with James Myburgh, Frans Cronje, Richard Tren and Simon Lincoln-Reader.Chapters0:00 Before the show: Trump's misread of South Africa and the farm murders data9:31 Show open and this week's rundown10:57 Richard in Argentina: Milei's revolution up close30:14 What is a bond? Frans explains from first principles39:48 Why are US yields spiking? The Common Sense breakdown1:04:51 The UK's gilt problem: 5.89% and climbing1:09:14 Nike goes woke: Shoe Dog, share prices and shutting up1:24:18 South Africa's crime stats: the mysterious murder decline1:36:52 The ANC misses its own candidate registration deadline1:43:08 Party funding declarations: who funds whom, and who declares nothing1:50:06 The impossible economics of domestic work1:56:32 Helen Zille's water project and the battle for Johannesburg2:03:02 Wrap-up: a record-length episodeIf this was worth your time, like the video and subscribe for the full weekly episode.
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  The ANC's Two Eras | The Water Bill | Shell | Jason Arday | SA's Verdict on US Companies 26.08.2026 1godz 17min

  In the latest episode of Talking Sense, with James Myburgh, Richard Tren, and Simon Lincoln-Reader, and hosted by Gabriel Makin, the panel looks at new SRF polling showing that South Africans support closer alignment with the United States. Majorities back exemptions for American companies from BEE, guarantees against expropriation, and protecting America’s security interests. Black voters were also more supportive than white voters on BEE exemptions, with 60% backing the policy compared with 55% of white voters.The panel also also looks at the ANC's two eras, the new Water Bill, the Constitutional Court's Shell ruling, primaries in the United States, and the Jason Arday affair. Become a member and support The Common Sense — Common Sense Plus is 99 rand a month and gets you the full archive of articles, explainers and the data behind South Africa's most important trends: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeSite: https://www.thecommonsense.co.zaPanel: Gabriel Makin (host), James Myburgh, Richard Tren, Simon Lincoln-ReaderChapters:0:00 Pre-show: the AI wunderkind vs Wall Street4:25 March on March and the AfriForum model8:32 US fundraising spam and ActBlue12:03 Show start: this week's stories13:14 Did the ANC ever really deliver? (subscriber question)22:35 The new Water Bill25:59 The Shell ruling, Eskom and net zero36:29 The United States' primaries: Florida50:01 Jason Arday and the DEI reckoning1:06:14 New poll: South Africans on American companies1:11:52 Closing thoughtsIf this was worth your time, like the video and subscribe for a new episode every week.
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  Talking Sense I Duduzane Zuma, the DA Manifesto, and America’s Cost of Living 20.08.2026 1godz 31min

  Black South Africans are more willing than white South Africans to move to the US as refugees, according to new polling discussed in this week’s episode of Talking Sense. The panel discusses South Africa's "useless men" problem and why young men are abandoning women to leave them to raise children alone. The panel also examines Duduzane Zuma’s appearance at the BizNews conference, where he told Alec Hogg that the MKP is real and here to stay, with Frans Cronje arguing that South Africans should take the party seriously. Simon Lincoln Reader looks at the Church of England’s £100 million slavery reparations pledge and asks what happens when the church stops being a church. The panel delves into the deep splits within the Church of England which has seen its Global South leadership break away, stressing the Bible should be at the centre of its work, whereas its Western community stresses socialist dogma and ideology. Bheki Mahlobo discusses US inflation and why young Americans feel alienated from their country’s economy, while James Myburgh analyses the DA’s local government manifesto and the fight inside UCT’s council. The panel also looks at questionable US climate data.Gabriel Makin hosts. Panel: Frans Cronje, James Myburgh, Simon Lincoln Reader, Bheki Mahlobo.Common Sense Plus is R99 a month.https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeChapters0:00 Female-headed households3:03 Richard Tren, Yorktown, Kings Mountain6:57 Clacton and Count Binface8:36 Fake polls12:29 Show open14:08 Duduzane Zuma on BizNews, MK and the ANC24:36 Church of England reparations45:22 US inflation, jobs, cost of living1:00:24 DA local government manifesto1:14:11 UCT council and the vice-chancellor1:19:13 America’s “hottest month”1:28:34 Refugee poll1:31:21 Closethecommonsense.co.za
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  ANC at 34%, the Third Force Returns, Jason Arday, News24's IDAC Apology. 20.08.2026 1godz 30min

  Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://bit.ly/3QJWRIdThis week the panel discusses the Social Research Foundation and The Common Sense new national and Johannesburg, Durban and Pretoria polling. The ANC sits at 34% nationally and under 20% in Johannesburg. Frans Cronje explains why Phala Phala and the immigration campaigns have become a vice around the ANC, why MK now commands two thirds of the ANC's support among black voters, and what a party polling below 50% in every one of its historical constituencies means for November.Also on the show: the reinstatement of Tshwane city manager Johan Mettler after Solidarity and the DA went to court; Willie Aucamp's approach to the foot-and-mouth crisis and the return of Dawie Oudendaal and Theo de Jager to the industry coordinating council; News24's partial climbdown on IDAC and the still-unanswered question of who exposed the Pretoria safe house; the death of Rod Liddle; and Abdul El-Sayed's razor-thin victory in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary.
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  IDAC Captured, Fauci's Diaries Exposed, and the Secret War Under South Africa | Talking Sense 20.08.2026 1godz 34min

  Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://bit.ly/3QJWRIdSouth Africa's new anti-corruption body, IDAC, was supposed to clean up the state. Instead it appears to have run interference against the people investigating one of the country's most murderous criminal syndicates.The panel works through IDAC's capture, and the media complicity around that, and what the Madlanga Commission has exposed about it all, and then traces the same playbook back to the SARS "rogue unit" operation against Johann van Loggerenberg in 2014.Also this week: the SANDF is training a special warfare unit to fight deep underground in an effort to win back the mineral resources the state expropriated 20 years ago and then lost control of. Richard Tren goes through Anthony Fauci's newly released diaries and what Fauci knew about the origins of COVID - whilst the panel suggests what those origins most likely were. Simon Lincoln Reader takes apart The Economist's interview with Elon Musk. And Frans Cronje explains why South Africa already has the electricity it needs to grow at 4 percent.0:00 — Opening banter and setup9:14 — Show intro and guest lineup10:11 — IDAC capture and the Madlanga Commission24:21 — Media complicity and the SARS rogue unit playbook30:04 — South Africa’s underground military unit and illicit mining43:03 — Dr. Fauci’s diaries and the COVID response61:15 — Elon Musk’s Economist interview76:33 — South Africa’s energy needs and growth potential94:45 — Closing remarks
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  Financial Mail Row, The DA's Western Cape Disaster and UK Cabinet Reshuffle 20.08.2026 1godz 29min

  Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://bit.ly/3QJWRIdThis episode opens with the Financial Mail controversy then examines the Ann Widdecombe murder and political violence. Next it covers UK think tanks, the new prime minister and the policy rebuild. The discussion to the Hopefield environmental dispute. It analyses the Democratic Socialists of America and elite left politics, looks at Israel, public opinion and the war of ideas. It compares China’s improving global image with the West and addresses the Madlanga Commission and IDAC concerns. It ends with a discussion on black engineering graduates.Chapters0:00 — Opening and Financial Mail controversy4:02 — The Ann Widdecombe murder and political violence8:31 — UK think tanks, the new prime minister, and policy rebuild12:04 — Introducing the week’s topics and Hopefield environmental dispute23:23 — The UK’s new prime minister and cabinet reshuffle41:21 — The Democratic Socialists of America and elite left politics68:16 — Israel, public opinion, and the war of ideas77:26 — China’s improving global image versus the West85:35 — The Madlanga Commission and IDAC concerns89:44 — Black engineering graduates in South Africa95:13 — Closing remarks and sign-off
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  ICC Exit, 15% Middle Class, 66% JSE Black Ownership, & Mettler State Capture 20.08.2026 1godz 36min

  Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://bit.ly/3QJWRIdIn this episode of Talking Sense, the panel breaks down the week's biggest stories: South Africa’s push to exit the ICC following Trump’s crackdown, the true size of SA’s middle class (just 15% — and how it could have doubled), black ownership of the JSE (66% of local capital), the suspension of honest Tshwane municipal manager Johan Mettler amid fresh state capture attempts, elite school politics at Bishops, sports quotas and Bokkieweek, and shocking data on South Africa’s children and collapsing family structures.Plus: Ro Khanna’s Israel stunt, the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, and the growing weakness of the West.Chapters00:00 American weather panic and Western resilience04:55 The Bishops Pride flag dispute08:18 Should schools promote political causes12:22 Bokweek and racial requirements in youth rugby21:57 The main discussion begins23:51 Why America is targeting the ICC28:07 Sovereignty and international courts32:01 How the United States could pressure the ICC35:29 How international institutions expand their power39:56 How South Africa’s middle class was measured42:38 New car sales and middle class growth45:18 What weak growth cost South Africa49:01 Why the earlier growth strategy was abandoned52:44 Black ownership of the JSE58:26 Why wealth per person remains unequal01:03:37 How mining policy drove out investment01:06:42 How The Common Sense approaches data journalism01:07:33 Why Johan Mettler was suspended01:10:43 The competing political coalitions01:14:21 Mettler, Tony Leon and media priorities01:17:18 What happened during Ro Khanna’s Israel visit01:21:13 The Graham Platner scandal and Democratic politics01:24:55 The death of Lindsey Graham01:29:15 The decline of strong American foreign policy01:30:28 South African children and broken families01:32:37 Children growing up without employed adults01:34:48 Grants, hunger and childhood development01:36:00 Why children cannot read for meaning01:37:10 School dropout and mathematics failure01:38:45 How the education system deteriorated01:39:48 Closing remarks
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  Trans Flags In Schools, Tony Leon "State Capture" Smear, Nigel Farage & SA's 2034 Future Scenarios 20.08.2026 1godz 35min

  Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://bit.ly/3QJWRIdIn this week's Talking Sense Podcast, the panel breaks down the Bishop's School Pride flag controversy and elite institutions playing politics, the collapsing Iran ceasefire and its implications, and the politically motivated attacks on Tony Leon over lobbying and alleged "state capture." They explore The Common Sense 2034 scenarios for South Africa, Nigel Farage's resignation in the UK and the by-election farce against Count Binface, the Graham Platner scandal exposing Democratic standards, the Constitutional Court ruling on a Western Cape property sale, threats to free speech via a potential X ban in Britain, and positive data on rising black ownership of the JSE.Like, subscribe, and visit www.thecommonsense.co.za for full articles and more sharp analysis.00:35 — Bishops school flags controversy begins03:13 — Pride flag, political statements, and school values05:20 — El Salvador, prisons, crime, and investment06:58 — Intro to the episode and topic rundown08:23 — Iran ceasefire collapse and renewed conflict11:43 — Discussion on whether the “war” in Iran is really over15:00 — Tony Leon / state capture allegations begin18:18 — Why the allegations against Tony Leon surfaced20:15 — What counts as wrongdoing versus legitimate lobbying25:47 — Clean governance, lobbying, and political strategy in South Africa30:34 — Explanation of real state capture and how it worked34:00 — Ramaphosa, funding, and political influence39:53 — DA leadership tested by political pressure42:49 — Transition to South Africa 2034 scenario planning43:15 — Scenario planning history and method46:49 — Three South Africa 2034 scenarios51:03 — Nigel Farage resigns and recontests his seat58:02 — Clarification of UK politics and Farage’s move63:10 — Graham Platner scandal in the US66:39 — Rape allegations and campaign collapse72:04 — How the story may have been timed politically76:33 — Constitutional Court ruling on Cape Town property sale78:18 — Investment, housing, and economic consequences81:47 — District Six and housing discussion86:35 — UK free speech and social media ban concerns95:25 — JSE ownership and South Africa’s progress97:10 — Episode wrap-up and closing remarks
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  Mandelson's Russia Scandal, ANC Polling Collapse, Steenhuisen vs Tony Leon, Joburg's Hidden Riches 13.07.2026 1godz 19min

  Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeThis week on Talking Sense: The Panel dives into the MI6 file labelling Lord Mandelson a "privileged contact" and the mechanics of Western influence. Marius breaks down a new by-election model forecasting an ANC collapse to the low thirties, while the panel reviews how private-sector security cooperation maintained stability through the June 30 deadline. The panel unpacks John Steenhuisen’s explosive exit interview and the state capture allegations surrounding Tony Leon. From London, the panel explores a UBS report on the UK’s massive wealth loss. Plus, striking data on South Africa’s voter turnout, a sobering look at what 5% growth since 2007 would have achieved, and the economic potential of Johannesburg. 0:00 Privileged contacts and influence4:02 By-election analysis and ANC trends8:00 Johannesburg vs Cape Town property prices11:45 30 June deadline and unrest risk19:18 Steenhuisen interview and lobbying debate40:03 UK wealth loss and inflation58:26 Voter registration and turnout66:37 South Africa’s lost growth74:47 Johannesburg economy and turnaround84:46 Closing remarks
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  30 June March, Keir Starmer Resigns, The ARC Conference And Is Johannesburg Better Than London? 13.07.2026 1godz 14min

  Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeIn this episode of Talking Sense the panel gather together in person for the first time in London, with Gabriel absent. The conversation starts on the controversial article the Common Sense wrote about whether Johannesburg is a better city for a young professional to live in than London. The panel puts forward the case that Johannesburg affords young professionals a much higher standard of living for a fraction of the cost of London, as well as offering a much clearer path to home ownership than is available in London. There is some disagreement over whether this analysis weighs in the incredibly high rates of violent crime in South Africa.The conversation then moves on to the panel's experience of the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC). They explain that it is essentially the anti-WEF as it offers a global vision based on the sovereign value of the individual and not in the Davos' top down vision of control. In the discussion on ARC the panel touches on how the conference put forward very convincing arguments on the importance of energy abundance and therefore the use of hydrocarbons in the energy system. The panel reflects on how the media and political discussion on climate does not reflect the actual scientific evidence. The conversation then turns to South Africa as Frans explains what he understands about the danger of the 30 June deadline for foreigners to leave the country, set by march4march. He lays out his assessment of whether there is legitimate cause for concern about mass violence across South Africa.The panel ends by addressing Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. They explain why he decided to step down and assess his presumed heir: Andy Burnham. The panel do not think that the change is likely to address the problems of modern Britain.
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  Iran Peace Deal, SpaceX IPO, DA Cabinet Reshuffle and News24 VS Afriforum 13.07.2026 1godz 12min

  Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Watch Omry's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AesSrjPptI&t=18sBecome a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeThe episode opens with the reported Iran memorandum of understanding and whether the Trump administration has pulled back too early. Richard argues that Iran may have negotiated its way back from the brink, while Frans makes the counter case that the oil clock, the Strait of Hormuz, and America’s growing energy leverage made an exit strategically necessary.The panel then turns to Elon Musk and SpaceX’s extraordinary valuation. Simon explains why Musk is not sitting on $1 trillion in cash, why the valuation reflects paper wealth and ownership stakes, and why the media reaction to Musk reveals more about elite resentment than economics. Frans links Musk’s success to South Africa’s failure to build, invest, innovate, and reward competence.Back home, the discussion moves to the DA’s proposed Cabinet reshuffle and John Steenhuisen’s expected move out of agriculture. Frans argues that the DA’s real competitor is no longer just the ANC, but the growing enclave future in which South Africans stop expecting the state to work and make private arrangements instead.Finally, James Myburgh explains News24’s latest attack on AfriForum and why the real story is not AfriForum, but the deeper history of BEE, ANC-linked investment vehicles, the Batho Batho Trust, Chancellor House, and South Africa’s opaque party funding system.Chapters00:00 Introduction 02:29 Reflections on the June 16th Interview05:16 Youth Unemployment and Historical Context08:27 Overview of Current Affairs Topics09:12 Iran Peace Deal Discussion26:23 SpaceX's IPO and Elon Musk's Wealth34:38 The Role of Regulation and Consumer Power37:08 Elon Musk: A Complex Persona40:44 Economic Success vs. Political Critique44:58 DA's Cabinet Reshuffle and Political Dynamics51:12 The Future of South Africa's Political Landscape58:03 Afriforum vs News24
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  The Western Cape Ecological Catastrophe, South Africa's Illicit Economy, LA's Crazy Election System 13.07.2026 1godz 27min

  Read the full analysis and more data-driven insights: https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Become a Common Sense Member for R99/pm https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/subscribeIn this episode of Talking Sense, Gabriel Makin is joined by Frans Cronje, James Myburgh, Simon Lincoln Reader, and Richard Tren to discuss South Africa’s ecological risks, American election dysfunction, Russian money in London, South Africa’s illicit economy, and why cold weather may help trigger unrest.The panel opens with an awful proposed synthetic fuel and green hydrogen project near Hopefield on the West Coast. James explains why the site sits in one of South Africa’s most sensitive ecological zones, near aquifers feeding Langebaan Lagoon and the Berg River estuary. Gabriel adds the local tourism and environmental stakes, while Richard and Frans question whether European green mandates are pushing environmental costs onto South Africa.The discussion then turns to California’s elections, where Richard explains the Los Angeles mayoral primary, mail-in ballots, ballot harvesting, voter ID rules, and why delays in vote counting are damaging trust in democratic outcomes. Simon compares the Los Angeles contest to wider left-wing urban politics in the United States.Simon then introduces London Falling, Patrick Radden Keefe’s book about the death of Zach Brettler, the influence of Russian oligarch money in London, and the way dirty capital reshaped parts of British society. The panel discusses Russian wealth, elite schools, organised crime, policing failures, and the broader contamination of London by foreign oligarchic money.Link to the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/London-Falling-Mysterious-Gilded-Familys/dp/1035056275The conversation returns to South Africa with James unpacking the latest crime statistics, including declines in murder and aggravated robbery, alongside the rise of kidnappings and digital crime. Frans then explains The Common Sense’s work on the illicit economy, arguing that illegal mining, tobacco, alcohol, and counterfeit goods are no longer just economic problems, but signs of a shadow state challenging South Africa’s sovereignty.Finally, Frans discusses why winter cold may matter in South Africa’s protest cycles. He explains how prolonged cold stress may weaken impulse control and increase threat response, making already strained communities more vulnerable to violent unrest when food, transport costs, and incitement are also present.Chapters00:00 Intro and cold weather in London and Johannesburg01:44 The DA, John Steenhuisen, and foot-and-mouth politics05:18 Welcome to Talking Sense06:39 The proposed insane Hopefield green hydrogen project07:13 West Coast ecological risk15:27 Who is behind the project and why the West Coast was chosen17:35 European green mandates and South Africa’s environmental cost24:34 Langebaan tourism versus synthetic fuel infrastructure29:51 Europe exporting environmental harm to Africa33:13 California and Los Angeles election controversy37:16 Mail-in ballots, ballot harvesting, and voter ID41:44 Why Los Angeles remains difficult terrain for Republicans47:58 California vs South Africa’s election system52:10 Patrick Radden Keefe’s London Falling55:45 Russian money, London, and oligarch influence01:04:33 South Africa’s latest crime statistics01:07:12 South Africa’s illicit economy01:12:00 The illicit economy as a shadow state01:14:28 COVID rules and the growth of illicit markets01:18:29 South African Revenue Service and enforcement01:21:27 Frans on the brain and protest risk01:25:23 Republican and Democrat puppies01:26:45 Closing remarks
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  No Factories, No Votes, No Accountability, South Africa and the West Are Failing the Same Way 10.06.2026 1godz 17min

  Talking Sense Podcast Gabriel Makin is joined by James Myburgh, Simon Lincoln Reader, Richard Tren, and Frans Cronje for this week's wide-ranging panel discussion covering South African politics and global affairs.This week the panel covers:South Africa's Deindustrialisation — Manufacturing's share of GDP has fallen from a peak of 25% to just 12% since the 1940s. Frans Cronje explains what this collapse means for social mobility, skills development, and the prospects of young South Africans trying to build a path to the middle class.Blair's 5,000-Word Essay — Labour's post-mortem through the lens of the radical centre. The panel examines Blair's diagnosis of a party that prioritised moral posturing over economic management, and what his advice means for centre-left parties navigating a changed global order.The Henry Nowak Stabbing — The 18-year-old was handcuffed by police while dying, after officers believed his attacker's false account. The panel examines ideology-driven policing and the real-world consequences of misapplied anti-racism doctrine.Democrats' 2024 Post-Mortem — A draft internal report that failed to seriously engage with inflation, immigration, or the party's leftward drift. How Democratic leaders focused on the wrong problems — including a push to pack the Supreme Court — while voters moved on.ANC-DA Coalition Polling — New Social Research Foundation data shows that if no party wins a majority in November's local elections, most voters back an ANC-DA coalition government. What this tells us about a maturing, pragmatic South African electorate.Subscribe for weekly episodes delivering clear analysis of South African politics, international affairs, and current events.Full articles, charts, and data: www.thecommonsense.co.zaTony Blair Essay: https://institute.global/insights/politics-and-governance/the-labour-party-is-playing-with-fire-over-its-future-and-the-future-of-the-countryChapters00:00 Exploring Historical Narratives: Slavery and Literature03:07 Contrasting Perspectives: South Africa's Regional Divides05:30 Political Dynamics: Trump's Congressional Challenges08:04 The Left's Conference: A Shift in Political Alliances10:00 DA's Schoolyard Spat: Political Strategy and Consequences15:51 Understanding Afrikaner Identity: Inclusion vs. Exclusivity21:35 The DA's Political Landscape: Historical Context and Future Implications29:27 The DA's Organizational Shift and Its Impact30:36 Manufacturing Data: A Historical Perspective35:22 Tony Blair's Essay: A Call for Labour's Reflection48:01 Democrats' Autopsy: Lessons from the 2024 Election01:00:43 The Henry Nowak Case: A Reflection on Race and Justice01:14:22 Hope for South Africa: A Call for Unity in Governance
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  Talking Sense About Phala Phala, Steenhuisen In Court, AI Data Centers And Andy Burnham 28.05.2026 1godz 16min

  The episode opens on Phala Phala and the unanswered questions around the foreign currency found at President Cyril Ramaphosa’s farm. James explains the official version involving a Sudanese businessman and the alleged purchase of buffalo, while Frans notes that several versions of the story point toward cash, couriers, and links to the Middle East. The discussion asks why Ramaphosa has gone to such lengths to avoid a full parliamentary process if there is a simple and legitimate explanation for the money. Frans argues that if the money was lawful, even if there had been poor administration at the farm, the country would likely understand. The deeper problem, he suggests, is the president’s apparent effort to delay and avoid having to testify.From there, the panel places Phala Phala in the broader history of ANC foreign funding. James explains that large foreign cash flows into the liberation movement are not new, and recalls earlier funding relationships involving figures such as Muammar Gaddafi and other states in North Africa and the Middle East. The issue, he argues, is not merely the existence of foreign money, but the political favours, diplomatic positioning, and accountability questions that may follow. The panel asks whether the reaction to Phala Phala is therefore as revealing as the scandal itself.The discussion also covers Free State Agriculture’s Foot and Mouth Disease victory and what it says about state overreach, farming, and the ability of civil society to push back against irrational regulation. The issue is framed as part of a wider struggle over whether farmers, businesses, and communities should be allowed to solve practical problems, or whether they must wait for a failing state to grant permission.The panel then moves to international politics, including Andy Burnham and the direction of British Labour politics. The conversation examines what Burnham’s rise says about working class voters, political repositioning, and the wider crisis of parties that lose touch with their natural constituencies.The episode also looks at American data centres and the energy demands of the artificial intelligence boom. The panel considers how data centres, electricity demand, and industrial policy are becoming central to the next phase of global economic competition. Finally, the panel asks whether the DA should even want to govern Johannesburg. The discussion considers the political risk of taking over a broken metro, the administrative burden of inherited collapse, and the danger that a party can be blamed for problems it did not create. Chapters00:00 – Opening discussion07:20 – Where did the Phala Phala cash come from13:28 – The historical influence of foreign funding of the ANC 25:00 - Steenhuisen in court38:08 – AI data centers in America50:14 – The US midterm election outlook and global political implications54:30 – UK political landscape: Andy Burnham’s potential rise and the future of British politics01:11:01 – The DA in Johannesburg
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  Talking Sense About Ramaphosa, Mining And BEE, Cricket SA's Failure, US Primaries, Unite The Kingdom 28.05.2026 1godz 10min

  This week the panel starts with Cricket South Africa’s Newlands ticket debacle, where ordinary fans were largely shut out of the England Test while expensive tour packages dominated access. Marius Roodt explains how only about 10 000 of roughly 70 000 tickets for the first four days were reportedly available to ordinary fans, while many supporters were pushed towards costly package deals.The discussion then moves to the United States, where Richard Tren breaks down the midterm primaries, Donald Trump’s continued grip on the Republican Party, and the risks this creates in key races such as Texas. The panel also discusses the rise of the horseshoe right, the overlap between extreme left and extreme right politics, and the growing problem of anti Semitism in American political life. Simon Lincoln Reader then takes the conversation to London, where the Unite the Kingdom march and the Nakba rally revealed the deepening cultural and political divide in Britain. The panel discusses Keir Starmer’s response, the use of facial recognition technology, the future of Reform and Restore Britain, and whether British politics is moving from a normal party contest into something more cultural and more volatile. Back home, the team examines Cyril Ramaphosa’s latest defence of BEE, especially in the mining sector. James Myburgh explains why the mining charter damaged South Africa’s gold industry, how the nationalisation of mining rights created long term uncertainty, and why Ramaphosa appears unable to admit the economic cost of the policy from which he personally benefited. The episode closes with the MK Party’s brief and chaotic attempt to create a new Brains Trust, before rapidly insisting that Jacob Zuma remains firmly in charge. It is a wonderfully South African ending to a discussion about state failure, political confusion, broken institutions, and the strange comedy of modern public life.Chapters00:00 The Constitutional Court's Landmark Ruling02:50 Cricket South Africa's Ticketing Controversy05:24 Understanding the U.S. Midterm Primaries08:06 The Political Landscape of the U.S.10:57 Marches in London: A Divided Society13:58 The Underlying Issues of Division30:32 Understanding Economic Mismanagement33:13 The Political Landscape in the UK40:16 Cultural Shifts and Political Representation45:19 The Impact of BEE on South Africa's Economy59:37 The Future of the MK Party and Jacob Zuma's Influence
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  Talking Sense About Phala Phala, Shelley Garland, Trump In China And The UK Local Elections 15.05.2026 1godz 28min

  In this episode the panel begin by revisiting the Shelley Garland affair, where the Deputy Editor of The Common Sense, Marius Roodt, under the pseudonym "Shelley Garland", managed to publish an article in the South African edition of the Huffington Post which called for white men to lose the right to vote for 20 years. The point of the article was to expose the woke madness that had infected media houses and it was more than successful in doing so, as the article gained worldwide traction (even making Steve Bannon apoplectic). In response the editor of the Huffington Post at the time wrote in defense of the article, stating that everything that "Shelley" wrote was actually standard feminist theory. This was a step too far as it turned out and within a few months of the Shelley Garland affair, the Huffington Post was gone from South Africa. After Shelley, the panel spend a significant time discussing the revived Phala Phala affair. James explains the context that leads to the Constitutional Court ruling that parliament must initiate impeachment proceedings against Cyril Ramaphosa. Frans unpacks the implications for the ANC and what they should be doing to try and recover the disastrous situation. He insists that this is the moment for the DA to make a full press on reform in exchange for supporting Ramaphosa, otherwise, the country is very likely to see an ANC under Mashatile move quickly to bring the EFF and MK parties into government. James counters that it may not be worth supporting political moves taken by scoundrels such as Arthur Fraser, because you do not know their motivations. Frans then ends by discussing his theory of balkanisation, that as state power recedes, private enclaves become stronger in direct proportion to state failure. After Phala Phala, the panel move on to last week's elections across the United Kingdom. Simon unpacks the results, explaining that Labour lost over 1 400 council seats. Simon then unpacks the implications of the disastrous results for labour and the broader British political context. The conversation then ends with Frans explaining the significance of Trump's visit to China. As has been discussed on the show before Frans explains that the real battle is over the future of the global reserve currency, with China hoping to end the dollar's position as the global reserve currency. Chapters00:00 Introduction 04:23 The Shelley Garland Affair: A Satirical Exposé18:56 The Implications of the Paula Paula Scandal29:09 Political Strategies and Future of the ANC and DA43:09 Navigating Political Choices in South Africa48:50 The Enclave Phenomenon and Its Implications59:25 The Future of South Africa: Enclaves and Economic Resilience01:19:17 Global Dynamics: Trump, China, and the Dollar's Status