The Talking Sense Podcast

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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).