The Talking Sense Podcast

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  Mandelson's Russia Scandal, ANC Polling Collapse, Steenhuisen vs Tony Leon, Joburg's Hidden Riches 13.07.2026 1ч 19мин

  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 1ч 14мин

  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 1ч 12мин

  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 1ч 27мин

  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 1ч 17мин

  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 1ч 16мин

  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 1ч 10мин

  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 1ч 28мин

  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
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  Talking Sense About Fake Polls, Xenophobia, UK Elections, US Midterms, Max Du Preez And The Pope 13.05.2026 1ч 28мин

  In this episode, the panel begin by celebrating the momentous achievement of the parliamentary DA caucus in proposing a well-thought through alternative to South Africaa's existing empowerment legislation. From there the panel explain how there have been a few doctored SRF poll results that have been doing the rounds on social media. Frans points out that if people are taken in by what is very clearly disinformation then that is completely fine, however, for anyone who wants real, well-researched survey data with the methodology included then that can be found directly on The Common Sense website. Following that, Frans and Richard provide a quick update to the war in Iran. Frans explains that a deal is likely to be struck along the lines first suggested in The Common Sense's Iran War scenarios 2 and 4. Richard then points out that while the US public seems to be split on Trump's handling of the war, he believes that the strategic vision demonstrated by the Trump admin should be enough to quash the idea that this war was started without a plan. After that the panel moves on to the potential for waves of violence in South Africa. Frans points out that many of the same indicators that preceded widespread violence in 2008, 2015 and 2021 seem to be coalescing in South Africa once again - cold weather, a rapid lift in food and energy prices which put extreme stress on households on the margins and, lastly, active incitement to xenophobic or other violence. All three of which are now present in South Africa. Following from this discussion James points out that Julius Malema gave an exemplary speech on the topic of xenophobia. In the speech Malema berates those that mistreat foreign nationals, as that does not achieve anything worthwhile. However, James then points out the contradiction at the heart of Malema's African nationalism - his political goals make violence against foreigners more likely, despite the fact that he seems to abhor it. After this section the panel turns its attention internationally with Simon and Gabriel discussing the importance and likely results of the British local elections. Staying on the theme of elections Richard Tren provides an update on the current state of play in the US, trying to answer the question: why does the very solid economic data not translate into more support for Trump and the Republicans? Richard continues after the question on midterms to explain the US Supreme Court's decision on racial gerrymandering. The conversation then turns back to South Africa as James puts forward the case that Max Du Preez is up to something suspect in a recent article he wrote about AfriSol. James points out how in this latest article, Du Preez seems to ignore many of the realities in modern South Africa that he has written about throughout his career. The conversation ends with Frans discussing how the Pope is now more popular amongst atheists and democrats than he is amongst catholics. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Political Dynamics01:56 Elliot's Political Aspirations04:57 Labour Party Leadership Speculations07:47 DA's Empowerment Policy Proposal10:53 Fake Polling and Political Manipulation13:47 Iran War Update and Strategic Implications16:45 Potential Violence in South Africa19:37 Xenophobia and Nationalism in South Africa33:03 The Impact of Political Rhetoric on Immigrant Communities35:19 Understanding Local Elections in the UK38:47 The Dynamics of UK Political Sentiment47:53 Midterm Elections in the United States: An Overview56:14 Economic Sentiment and Political Consequences in America59:56 Racial Dynamics in American Politics01:05:25 Critique of Media Narratives on Afrikaners01:22:52 The Pope's Political Stance and Its Reception
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  Talking Sense About Trump Assasination Attempt, The DA's GNU Troubles, Elon Musk VS OpenAI And OPEC 07.05.2026 1ч 11мин

  In this episode, the panel tries to understand the record-breaking third assassination attempt against President Trump. They examine how the constant raising of the temperature and slander by the media, celebrities and politicians have created an enabling environment for deranged people to feel as though they are doing something heroic. The panel also unpacks how the same dynamic is not playing out on the current right of politics, because the right are willing to denounce and excise the radicals from their side. After this, the panel turn to some market news as they unpack the case of Elon Musk Vs Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. From there the panel discuss whether an AI bubble exists and what may cause it to burst. After that, the panel turns its attention to the history of OPEC and the decision by the UAE to leave that institution. They demonstrate that this marks a seismic shift in the balance of power of the global energy system, with a turn away from dominance by the gulf states, towards the United States. The conversation ends with a discussion about the DA's continued failings inside of the GNU. From a dodgy education tender, John Steenhuisen being reprimanded by the courts again, to an AI policy written by hallucinating AI, the frequency of DA failure in government seems to have increased. The panel examines why this is the case and what the DA may do to actually leverage the position in which that party finds itself.Chapters00:00 Lunch and Political Optimism02:48 The King's Diplomatic Masterclass05:44 Assassination Attempts on Trump11:40 Political Violence and Radicalization17:34 The SPLC and the Demand for Racism20:54 The Misrepresentation of Trump's Statements23:58 The Role of the SPLC in Political Narratives27:41 The Impact of Policing on Black Lives29:44 Elon Musk vs. Sam Altman: The Legal Battle35:38 Advancements in AI Technology42:43 The Future of AI and Market Dynamics50:23 OPEC's Resurgence and Global Energy Dynamics55:36 The DA's Challenges in Governance
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  Talking Sense About Geordin Hill-Lewis In The Cabinet, Legacy Media Doom-Mongers And Mandelson 07.05.2026 1ч 5мин

  In this episode, the panel explains why all the doom-mongering about the current state of the world is entirely unjustified. They explain data showing how much safer, more prosperous, and free the world has become over the past 500 years. For example, Frans explains that whereas a person had to labour for more than 50 hours 500 years ago to light their home for an hour, today the same amount of light is earned in less than a second of work. From there, James explains how, on Iran, Trump may understand something about revolutionary theory that many Westerners do not. Simon explains how UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer sent a known national security risk to be the UK's ambassador to America. The panel then discuss Geordin Hill-Lewis and the DA and whether it was the right decision for him to prioritise running Cape Town over joining the national government. James says he was right. Frans is less sure. The discussion ends with Frans saying that Roelf Meyer is a good guy who will be well received in Washington, but whether he succeeds in securing a trade deal and investment pact will depend on whether he has Pretoria's, and not America's, support to do that. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Talking Sense Podcast02:17 Debunking the Doom and Gloom Narrative14:12 Revolutionary Strategy and the Iran War23:21 Political Turmoil in the UK: The Mandelson Scandal36:07 Security Vetting and Political Intrigue37:20 Bizarre Happenings in Extremism41:28 The DA Leadership and Political Strategy45:21 The Role of Outsiders in Politics52:07 Roelf Mayer's Diplomatic Challenges01:02:14 China's Economic Opportunities for South Africa
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  Talking Sense AboutGeordin Hill-Lewis, IRR Polling Data And South Africa's New Ambassador To The US 07.05.2026 1ч 14мин

  In this episode, the panel explains the new polling data released by the Institute of Race Relations. They unpack how the findings are in line with the theory that South African public opinion is by and large moderate and sensible. From there the panel turns its attention to the new leader of the DA, Geordin Hill-Lewis. They give a very positive reception to his acceptance speech, but then touch on his harsh commentary about the American admistration, questioning the rationale behind the move. The discussion ends on a new report on the British economy which shows how ideas anthithetical to economic growth overtook British politics.
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  Talking Sense About Iran Hysteria, South Africa's Greatest Investor, Cadre Deployment and The Space Race 07.05.2026 1ч 7мин

  In this episode, the panel explains how traditional western media is presenting a completely misleading reading of how the war in Iran is actually going. Dr Frans Cronje and Richard Tren analyse the latest updates, America's strategic victories, the actual global economic position and what the effect of the war on global markets has actually been. From there Simon Reader turn's to a good news story about the South Africa Nathan Kirsh's $29 billion deal. Dr James Myburgh provides a detailed analysis of proposed changes to the law that are supposedly 'end cadre deployment'. Richard Tren then shares some interesting thoughts he had attended at a global trade event. Frans Cronje rounds out the show by discussing the Artemis mission and the importance of the next global space race.
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  Talking Sense About The DA Congress, Solving SA's Crime Problem, The BBC and Free Speech 07.05.2026 1ч 4мин

  In this episode, the panel explains the historical dynamics of the explosion of crime in South Africa's townships. It then gives some context on the mega-deal being negotiated between Paramount and Warner Brothers/Discovery and contrasts that with the failing economic model of the BBC. Gabriel Makin explains what happens at a DA Congress, the next which is being held later this month and where the party will elect a new leader. He also highlights an interview he conducted with Nicholas Nyati, who is running for a senior position in the party. Gabriel tells the panel about a number of interesting resolutions Nyathi has brought which will be voted on at the DA congress. The episode closes with two major US stories, an 8–1 ruling from the US Supreme Court with significant free speech implications, and new tax data revealing the economic impact of internal migration across the United States.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:59 Diverse Panel Introduction and Topics03:15 AI Analysis of South Africa Crime Data06:42 Historical Context of South Africa's Crime Units07:21 Discussion on El Salvador Style Crime Solutions08:47 Importance of Specialized Crime Units09:48 Gang Violence and Crime Prevention Strategies12:26 Judicial System Failures in South Africa13:19 US Supreme Court Ruling on Free Speech15:23 UK Media Bias and BBC Funding Crisis19:27 Economics of the BBC and Public Funding21:37 BBC's Political Bias and Internal Issues24:02 Controversies and Scandals at the BBC29:05 South African Political Developments and DA Congress33:40 US Internal Migration and Tax Data Trends43:55 US Supreme Court Gender Therapy Ruling48:40 European Free Speech Restrictions and Finland Case54:21 US Immigration Trends and State Migration Data01:00:28 US State Politics and Election Outlook01:02:56 Closing Remarks and Future Topics
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  Makin Sense of Violent Crime In South Africa, Cuba, Good News For FMD And New Marriage Statistics 30.03.2026 1ч 6мин

  In this episode, the panel explains how two agricultural unions and a business lobby group are pressuring the minister of agriculture, through the courts, to allow private vaccine procurement and administration to combat the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemic. It then talks through the political madness of the UK and Western energy policy broadly amidst the Iran war. Dr James Myburgh then provides a fascinating deep-dive analysis of the origins of South Africa's violent crime pandemic and its ties to armed liberation-era movements. The panel then talks about new marriage data published by The Common Sense and why the drop in the marriage to divorce rate bodes ill for the country's long-term stability.
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  Makin Sense Of New Poll Results, Jacob Zuma, Paul Ehrlich and Singapore 26.03.2026 1ч 9мин

  In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel breaks down some of the headline results of the Social Research Foundation/The Common Sense's new national poll and that poll's results in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ethekwini. The discussion on polling rounds out with the panel focusing on Jacob Zuma and whether he has been misunderstood by the main stream press and analysis. After the discussion on polls, the panel shifts their focus to the death of Paul Ehrlich and the horrible ideas that he had. The panel end the episode by discussing Singapore's history as a means of understanding how to become a successful post-colonial society and head off radicalism.
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  Makin Sense of Motsepe, The ANC VS The US Ambassador, VC In Africa And Terrorists In New York 26.03.2026 1ч 13мин

  n this episode of Makin Sense, the panel examines the reports that Patrice Motsepe is not running for ANC leader. They then unpack the diplomatic fight between South Africa and the new United States ambassador. The focus then shifts to an Asian fraud scandal with a South African twist.The panel then studies the facts around venture capital in Africa. After which, they explore the misreporting on the recent terrorist attack in New York and they finish by discussing the surge of support for the Green Party in the United Kingdom. Correction: Total raised for Optasia's IPO was R6.5 billion (approximately $375 million) and was valued at R23.5 billion ($1.4 billion).
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  Makin Sense Of The Iran War 26.03.2026 59мин

  In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel examines the misrepresented history between the ANC and Iran. The panel explores how the myth of ties between the ANC and Iran overlooks Iran’s repression of leftist movements and the deaths of many communists under the Iranian regime. The panel outlines the fluid situation in Iran today, focusing on US objectives, the shifting global power dynamics with China, and the energy market impacts. The panel also discuss how South Africa’s foreign policy might shift with Iran’s declining influence. Dr Frans Cronje lays out how the war will end.
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  Makin Sense of CBS And Farm Attacks, The Budget, The Common Sense VS The FT And Trump's Tariffs 28.02.2026 1ч 12мин

  In this episode, the panel discusses the US Head of the Financial Times attack on the Common Sense, the new CBS documentary on farm murders, the South African budget, the supreme court's decision on Trumps tariffs, Geordin Hill-Lewis running for DA leadership, the UK's new cabinet secretary and South Africa's education crisis.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Topics02:15 Simon Versus the Financial Times02:36 The Decline of London and Multicultural Societies06:41 Multiculturalism vs Multi-ethnic Societies12:25 Analysis of the CBS Farm Attacks Documentary14:39 Land Ownership Statistics and Land Reform Myths16:54 South Africa's Violence and Farm Murders34:11 South Africa's Budget: Pragmatism and Redistribution41:46 South Africa's Welfare System and Redistribution Scale43:42 US Tariffs: Court Ruling and Economic Impact48:47 US Tariffs and South Africa's Foreign Policy51:23 DA Leadership Nominations and Political Future58:46 UK Cabinet Secretary and Civil Service Power Shift01:03:28 South Africa's Education Crisis and Charter Schools01:07:53 Solutions for South Africa's Education System
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  Makin Sense Of Patrice Mostepe As Next ANC Leader, Rubio in Munich, EU/UK's Decline and US Midterms 24.02.2026 1ч 13мин

  In this episode, the panel discusses whether Patrice Mostepe could be eyeing a run for the ANC leadership, Marco Rubio's speech in Munich, the EU and UK's latest economic data, and the situation going into the US midterms. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Topics01:52 Patrice Motsepe's Resignation and Political Aspirations04:16 Motsepe's Background and Credibility05:59 Challenges of ANC Leadership and Patronage Networks10:43 Public Support and Potential for Motsepe11:49 Motsepe's Appeal to Disenchanted Voters14:24 The ANC's Political Landscape and Rival Parties17:51 Governance Challenges for Motsepe19:52 Economic Policies and BEE Considerations26:35 Energy Policy and Foreign Relations30:42 Transition to Marco Rubio's Speech at Munich Security Conference37:46 Reciprocity in Trade Agreements41:03 The Economic Landscape of Europe41:29 UK's Economic Performance and EU Relations47:35 Public Sentiment and Political Shifts52:48 The Impact of Midterm Elections01:06:07 Trump's Policies and Public Perception