Category: Leadership

President Cyril Ramaphosa has moved to halt a parliamentary inquiry that could determine whether he is fit to remain in office, escalating the long-running fallout from the controversial Phala Phala farm scandal. While the president insists the findings that triggered the process were flawed and legally unsound, lawmakers appear determined to press ahead. The latest…

Everyone’s watching Johannesburg, Cape Town and Tshwane — but the November local government elections will be decided in places like Pietermaritzburg and Polokwane too. Marius Roodt of The Common Sense drills into the numbers, and the divergence is striking. Msunduzi tells a story of ANC collapse — from 70% in 2014 to 18% in 2024…

South Africa’s appetite for truth is being tested by something as mundane as a budget shortfall. With R123 million of R147 million already spent, Minister Kubayi has gone cap-in-hand to Treasury – and some are quietly suggesting the Commission should simply be wound down. Brigadier Fanie Bouwer argues the opposite: the deeper the inquiry digs,…

This article was first published by The Common Sense A major donation disclosure has placed Rise Mzansi under an uncomfortable spotlight, raising fresh questions about transparency in South African politics. Party leader Songezo Zibi insists there is a straightforward explanation for the R30 million donation, but the identity and public profile of the organisation behind…

South African racing has lost one of its true giants. Ormond Ferraris — trainer of some 2600 winners, mentor to legends like Mike de Kock, and a man still arriving at stables before dawn at 93 — passed away peacefully on 10 June 2026, aged 94. A life fully lived in the Sport of Kings.…

South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests have a new villain, according to Minister Ronald Lamola: foreign powers unhappy with Pretoria’s ICJ case against Israel. Political scientist Kenneth Moeng Kgwadi isn’t convinced. In this sharp opinion piece, he draws a damning parallel between Lamola’s insinuations and a well-documented global playbook — from Putin blaming Hillary Clinton for Moscow’s…

This is a damning piece of accountability journalism. South Africa’s foot-and-mouth disease crisis was not an unforeseeable catastrophe — it was a failure foretold, in letters, meetings, technical notes and court papers, by farmers, veterinarians, industry bodies and an independent economist. Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen chose the plan, centralised the plan, and defended it even…

Rob Hersov has never been shy about what he thinks of South Africa’s political class, and this piece is vintage Hersov — provocative, pointed and packed with names, with quite a few BNC#9 speakers among them. Taking Cyril Ramaphosa’s bloated 32-portfolio Cabinet as his foil, the businessman proposes a leaner 20-ministry structure built around competence…

Key topics: Risk of AGOA loss for SA under ANC policy direction Sakeliga proposes subnational certification for US market access Critique of ANC policies; call for pro-trade, property rights reform By Rob Hersov “AGOA or not to AGOA. That is the question” South Africa is facing a moment of truth.  Not another ANC press conference.…

This article was first published by The Common Sense Key topics: Section 89 report alleges constitutional violations by Ramaphosa Phala Phala cash theft raises corruption and legal concerns Impeachment process and court rulings may impact presidency From The Common Sense The president of South Africa was robbed. He did not call the police. He called his…

Key topics: Unfunded Joburg budget hikes tariffs despite bankruptcy warning Budget boosted for wages/deal, while infrastructure spending stagnates National Treasury flags unlawful budget; DA condemns ANC mismanagement By Helen Zille* Last Wednesday, the ANC-led coalition of doom in Johannesburg was meant to table the City’s 2026/27 medium-term budget. Instead, it presented a fairytale – one…

This article was first published by The Common Sense Key topics: DA leaders clash with Groenewald over parolee data claims Allegations of misleading 1991 data on 30k missing parolees Editorial criticises DA/FF+ spat as political point-scoring & distrust By The Editorial Board of The Common Sense Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and senior party adviser…