Wilko's Messages of Hope

In this episode of Talking Sense, South Africa’s Deputy Finance Minister, Ashor Sarupen, sits down for a long-form interview with The Common Sense’s executive producer, Gabriel Makin. The discussion ranges from Sarupen’s political background to the country’s fiscal position, how government spending works, and the hard choices required to stabilise the national finances. They explore South Africa’s six trillion rand debt burden, the peaking of the debt to GDP ratio, the shift toward running sustained primary budget surpluses, and the decision to adopt a three percent inflation target. Sarupen also speaks about: Lowering the country’s risk premium, the political dynamics within the Government of National Unity, the future of economic reform in areas like energy, ports and freight rail, and the broader question of how liberal democratic values shape policymaking in a diverse society.

Rob Hersov sits down with Prince Mashele, the outspoken public intellectual who predicts South Africa’s future better than anyone else for a candid, hour-long conversation that cuts straight through the noise. They discuss the moment South Africa’s rise turned into decline: Why the black elite failed to build on what previous generations created, The uncomfortable truths black South Africans must face to face for a real turnaround, Why the DA is both the best and most limited party in the country, And who is really driving America’s current pressure on Pretoria. No talking points. No sugar-coating. Just two South African patriots speaking plainly about what it will actually take to save this country.

Rob Hersov sits down with Ernst Roets for a no-holds-barred conversation about where South Africa is really headed in 2025 and beyond. They tackle the big questions: Has the ANC become more parasitic than ideological? Why do almost half of South Africans now say they prefer military rule to the current “democracy”?  How did centralised power fail under the British, the National Party, and now the ANC?  Is the state collapsing so fast that privatisation is happening by necessity, not design? Ernst unpacks his new initiative Lex Libertas. A think-tank and pressure group pushing for radical decentralisation, community self-governance, and real autonomy for South Africa’s diverse cultural and linguistic groups. They explore practical ideas from Swiss cantons and Scottish devolution to blockchain DAOs, tax protests, and civil disobedience as tools to force change. A hard-hitting, solutions-focused discussion for everyone who refuses to watch South Africa slide into the abyss.

  It’s easy to spot what’s wrong with people. We notice their mistakes, their rough edges, and the ways they fall short of what we expect. But what if we changed our focus? What if, instead of searching for faults, we made a conscious effort to look for the good in others? The results could be surprising and uplifting. When we look for the good in others, we see people differently. Instead of viewing them through criticism, we begin to see their strengths. Their intentions, and their humanity. Everyone has something positive to offer. Kindness, resilience, creativity, honesty. Or the courage to keep going despite life’s challenges. This attitude doesn’t mean we ignore wrongdoing or pretend everyone is perfect. It means we choose to see the whole person, not only their flaws. By acknowledging what is good in others, we often encourage more of that goodness to grow. A kind word, a little trust, or a bit of appreciation can bring out the best in people. It also changes us. When we foc...

South Africa just hit a critical moment. A bottoming-out economy. A GNU learning to govern together, and a budget speech that may have quietly shifted the country’s trajectory. Dr. Frans Cronjé joins Mike Sham to break down the numbers, the politics, the missed opportunities, and the unexpected signs of life inside the ANC–DA alliance. From the peak of state capture to the new fiscal “common sense,” from BEE’s decline to investor confidence, and from MK’s threat to America’s G20 snub — this conversation cuts through noise and tells you where South Africa actually stands. If you care about the country’s future, this is the episode to watch.

South Africa’s capital is collapsing — and Cilliers Brink says he knows exactly why. In this explosive interview with Rob Hersov, the former mayor of Tshwane exposes how the ANC turned Pretoria into a cash-sucking machine, where R777 million was blown on water tankers instead of fixing pipes. He names names, calls out corruption, and explains how half the money can’t even be traced to real purchase orders. From assassinations to coalition chaos, this conversation cuts deep into the rot that’s paralysing local government. Brink argues that only private-sector partnerships and clean governance can save South Africa’s cities from total breakdown. And warns what happens if voters stay home in 2026. This is the inside story of how the ANC lost control, how the DA plans to take it back. And why the next municipal election could decide South Africa’s future.

This week on the DA Podcast, Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman breaks down how Kouga is turning the corner after years of failed ANC governance. From fixing a broken vehicle fleet and upgrading basic services, to launching South Africa's first eco-friendly plastic road and delivering title deeds and electricity to communities long ignored. Watch as Mayor Bornman explains how the DA is using its mandate to prove that delivery, accountability and progress aren’t merely promises, they’re doing it.

  When people think about elections, they often picture the big national ones. The ones that make the headlines and fill social media feeds. But the truth is, local government elections are just as important. If not more so, because they directly affect our daily lives. Local Government Is Where Life Happens Local councils make decisions about the things we use and depend on every day. Water, electricity, roads, rubbish collection, housing, local policing, libraries, and community parks. They decide how money is spent in your area and what services get priority. If your streetlights don’t work. Or your neighbourhood park needs cleaning. It’s your local government that’s responsible. Not the national one. Your Vote Shapes Your Community When you vote in a local election you’re choosing the people who will represent you. And make decisions on your behalf. These councillors decide how to use public funds,. What gets built where. And how to balance the needs of different areas. Not vot...

 

After months of dysfunction, mistrust, and collapsing credibility, the Government of National Unity (GNU) held a quiet retreat . What if — for the first time — the ANC and DA realized their only salvation is each other? In this episode of State of the Nation, Mike Sham dissects how both parties are cornered politically and economically. And why desperation might finally produce cooperation. From the Madlanga Commission to by-election losses, from foreign policy failures to budget fights, this analysis explores a radical possibility. A functioning GNU that unlocks growth, cleans up corruption, and revives investor confidence. Could the ANC and DA’s survival instinct actually fix South Africa? This is the big political “what if” of 2025. Watch if you want to understand: