The Talking Sense Podcast

In this episode, the panel is joined by Mike Sham, host of the State of the Nation podcast. The panel discusses potentially significant political stories shaping South Africa and the world going into 2026. The conversation starts in South Africa by focusing on the challenges faced by the ANC, and whether it will seek to double down on ideology, as well as the DA's position in the next local government elections and whether a leadership change is appropriate for that party. The conversation also touches on the dynamics within the GNU and whether it will continue to hold strong through 2026. After South Africa, the conversation heads to America where the panel considers what the mid-terms in November could mean for the Trump legacy. The conversation also focuses heavily on the implications of US politics for international relations. The conversation delves into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the potential for peace in Europe, highlighting the complexities of global politics and the shifting dynamics being played out on the global stage. The discussion ends in Europe as the panel members discuss whether changing sensibilities towards climate will have an impact on European policymakers, or whether they will continue to blindly pursue net zero at all costs. The panellists also ask whether the countries of Europe will continue to swing to the populist right. .

Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Themes Ahead02:23 The ANC's Struggles and Future Prospects14:56 Local Government Elections: A Turning Point for the ANC29:39 The DA's Challenges and Leadership Dynamics50:15 Navigating Political Leadership and Strategy52:53 The Importance of Collaboration in South African Politics57:11 The Role of Political Leadership in National Stability58:50 Shifting Focus: International Relations and the U.S. Impact01:09:39 Analyzing the U.S. Political Landscape and Upcoming Elections01:18:07 Prospects for Peace in Europe and the Ukraine Conflict01:28:00 The Future of European Politics and Elections

The panel got an in-depth report from James Myburgh on the political history of the Thabo Mbeki and Zuma power struggle at the 2005 National General Council and how Ramaphosa's National General Council was very different to that. He then discusses the fine balance that seems to have been struck within the GNU and its prospects of continuing. Gabriel adds to this discussion by discussing the widespread support amongst voters for the ANC and DA to work together in a coalition. Frans Cronje reports on the ANC not paying its staff and the feeling within the party. He then goes on to offer a word of caution to the DA about the rush to dethrone John Steenhuisen and how that might be an imprudent decision. He ends the show by discussing both the newest developments in the Chinese economy and their push to create a new global reserve currency as well as the new US national security strategy. Simon Lincoln Reader reports from London all about Private Equity in the UK. He explains the recent data indicating that the industry has seen a substantial decline in the UK. He then describes the recent history of British Private equity, he explains the success story of the early days of private equity through the case study of Pret a Manger and then gives the panel an example of how it went wrong. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Topics02:21 The ANC's National General Council: What Didn't Happen09:44 The ANC's Current Challenges and Leadership Dynamics14:48 The DA's Leadership Struggles and Political Landscape22:28 Public Perception of the GNU and Party Performance43:44 The DA's Strategic Positioning in South Africa48:04 Transitioning to International Perspectives48:24 Understanding Private Equity in the UK01:02:32 The Future of the UK Economy01:13:18 China's Economic Developments and Global Influence01:23:52 Shifts in US National Security Strategy

The panel got an in-depth report from James Myburgh on the political history behind farm attacks in South Africa, the extent of the problem, and the political forces behind the killings. Frans Cronje reports on a new bill soon to come before Parliament that will look to empower the state to arrest Israel supporters in the country, on comments by the US Secretary of State that pitch Poland against South Africa to explain why the one's economy is a rising and the other's not, on why South African chrome smelters are shutting down, and on why Cyril Ramaphosa is set to remain ANC leader whilst John Steenhuisen may be out of job. Richard Tren reports on America's conflict with Venezuela, whether that government will stand, and why Trump has freed a convicted Honduran drug baron even as he blasts Venezuelan drug boats out of the water. Simon Lincoln-Reader reports from London on just how much trouble the UK is in and why investors are packing up for greener pastures.

Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Panel and Topics02:43 Historical Context of Farm Attacks05:35 The Evolution of Farm Murders in South Africa08:22 Modern Perspectives on Farm Attacks11:08 Technological Advances and Their Impact on Farm Security14:17 Political Implications of Farm Murders17:03 The Apartheid Bill and Its Consequences19:51 US-South Africa Relations and the G2022:47 Trump's Stance on Venezuela25:28 Conclusion and Future Implications51:29 The Uncertain Future of Venezuela55:15 Escalation and Consequences for Maduro58:26 Political Dynamics in Honduras01:02:28 The Budget Speech Fallout01:15:23 The Role of the Office for Budget Responsibility01:28:16 Economic Consequences of Power Supply Issues in South Africa

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel examines the proposed Russia Ukraine peace plan, unpacks the ANC’s balance of forces doctrine, analyses the United Kingdom’s new budget, and assesses South Africa’s economic outlook heading into 2026. Richard offers Thanksgiving reflections from the United States and Bheki outlines the key indicators shaping South Africa’s growth prospects.

The panel got an in-depth report from James Myburgh on the political history behind farm attacks in South Africa, the extent of the problem, and the political forces behind the killings. Frans Cronje reports on a new bill soon to come before Parliament that will look to empower the state to arrest Israel supporters in the country, on comments by the US Secretary of State that pitch Poland against South Africa to explain why the one's economy is a rising and the other's not, on why South African chrome smelters are shutting down, and on why Cyril Ramaphosa is set to remain ANC leader whilst John Steenhuisen may be out of job. Richard Tren reports on America's conflict with Venezuela, whether that government will stand, and why Trump has freed a convicted Honduran drug baron even as he blasts Venezuelan drug boats out of the water. Simon Lincoln-Reader reports from London on just how much trouble the UK is in and why investors are packing up for greener pastures.Simon is a financier and co-founder of the dealmaking platform Lofotr Investors. He is international and markets correspondent for The Common Sense and a trustee of the Kay Mason Foundation. Richard Tren is a director of the Washington, DC-based Yorktown Foundation for Freedom. He served as a program officer of the Searle Freedom Trust for 13 years. In 2000 he co-founded Africa Fighting Malaria, a public health policy organization that successfully changed WHO, USAID, and Global Fund policies for the prevention and treatment of malaria. James Myburgh is the Director of the Bremen Centre for Democratic Research (BRE-DE-RE) and editor of politicsweb.co.za . He served as a policy researcher for the Democratic Party in the late 90s. He has a DPhil in Politics from St. Anthony's College Oxford.Frans Cronje is the Editor of the Common Sense and founder of Frans Cronje private clients. He was the CEO of the South African liberal think-tank the Institute of Race Relations for 8 years. Gabriel Makin is the CEO of the SRF and Executive producer of The Common Sense. He had previously worked as a barista.

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk and its implications for free speech and political violence in the US. They explore the current state of American politics, the impact of economic data on market reactions, and the controversies surrounding Peter Mandelson. The conversation also delves into South Africa's trade relations with the US, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for economic growth in the region.

In this episode, the panel discusses various political topics, including the resignation of UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, the implications for the Labour Party, and the broader political landscape in the UK. They also delve into the history of political party funding in South Africa, the rise of the woke right, and the ongoing crisis of free speech in the UK. Additionally, they explore the energy revolution in the US, focusing on the endangerment finding and its implications for climate policy and economic growth.

In this episode of Makin Sense, the panel discusses crime and policing in Washington DC, the implications of the end of history theory on Western liberalism, the looming economic crisis in the UK, and the fiscal management of South Africa under the ANC. The conversation highlights the importance of making hard choices in governance and the impact of economic policies on political stability.

In this episode, the panel discusses various economic and political themes, focusing on the Federal Reserve's role in the American economy, inflation, and the impact of monetary policy. They explore a shift in conservatism in the UK and the future of the ANC in South Africa, as well as the implications of water and power crises on the future stability of Iran. The conversation highlights the complexities of economic governance and the influence of political ideologies on economic outcomes.