Wilko's Messages of Hope

Is South Africa being emotionally manipulated by politics that promise everything and deliver nothing? In this explosive episode of State of the Nation, Mike speaks with rising political commentator June Hlongwane — a sharp, fearless voice challenging the sacred cows of South African politics. From her journey through #FeesMustFall to her hard critique of communism, BEE, populism, and victim politics, June dissects the structural failures holding the country back — and why the middle class should be deeply concerned. This is not a soft conversation. It confronts: -The illusion of “free everything” economics -Why BEE fails to create real empowerment -How communist ideology undermines ambition and generational wealth -The root causes of Gender-Based Violence and systemic failure -Why property rights are critical for national stability -The danger of EFF-style politics and authoritarian populism -How South Africans are being conditioned to blame instead of build -The growing power of ...

  Life gives us more than enough reasons to worry. Bills pile up, work gets stressful, relationships hit bumps,. And the bad news never seems to switch off. But while worry is a natural reaction, it’s not a productive one. In fact, most of the things we worry about never happen. What does happen, though, is that worry steals our peace, and our ability to enjoy the present moment. “Don’t worry, be happy” is more than a catchy line from a song. It’s a reminder that happiness is a choice we can make, even when things aren’t perfect. Why Worry Never Helps Worry tricks us into believing we’re solving something. But in reality, it keeps our minds spinning without taking us anywhere. It drains us emotionally and physically, and it very seldom leads to action. What we think of as “being prepared” is often rehearsing problems we haven’t faced yet. Happiness gives us clarity. When we choose calm over panic, we can think better and handle challenges with a clearer head. Choosing Happiness Doe...

South Africa is facing a political reality most people refuse to confront: even after corruption, scandal, failed governance and voter decline — the ANC still dominates power and there is no credible replacement in sight. ➡️ Why the ANC still controls South Africa ➡️ Why breakaway parties like MK and EFF aren’t real alternatives ➡️ How commissions of inquiry have become political theatre ➡️ Why BEE was designed by big business — not government ➡️ Why voters are disengaging instead of switching allegiances ➡️ Why even at 20–30% the ANC will still control government ➡️ The internal wars shaping the future of the ANC ➡️ Whether Paul Mashatile becomes the inevitable successor ➡️ Why businesses are quietly abandoning the ANC ➡️ Why South Africa’s “recovery narrative” may be dangerously misleading This discussion goes beyond surface politics and exposes the real power dynamics operating behind the scenes — big business, political elites, organised crime and foreign interests — all shaping ...

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.