Archive - Rational Standard

America moots sanctions on ANC as the US puts foot down on foreign policy

A deep dive into US-South Africa tensions as Washington considers sanctions and sends a sharp message to the ANC.

Jul 4 •

Rational Standard Editor

Unemployment is high because doing business is hard

When small businesses are burdened by excessive administration and regulation, the cost of compliance can become overwhelming.

Jul 3 •

Zakhele Mthembu

Monetary expansion destroys capital

We often forget that capital wears out. It must be repaired, replenished. That takes real effort, real savings. Not paper. Not promises.

Jul 2 •

RS Guest Author

Ramaphosa’s Echo Chamber

Is this supposed to be a serious discussion to establish a way forward for our crumbling society, or a festival of shiny faces and shallow vibes?

Jul 1 •

Nicholas Woode-Smith

June 2025

Virtue without victory: The failure of the ANC’s B-BBEE policy

If economic empowerment is to transcend rhetoric and become a genuine vehicle for national renewal, then courage, candour and intellectual honesty must…

Jun 30 •

RS Guest Author

The District Development Model: A Doomed Bureaucratic Fantasy

The District Development Model is a bureaucratic distraction masquerading as a solution.

Jun 28 •

RS Guest Author

Ramaphosa fires DA minister; and Joe Emilio on "Stolen Ground" documentary

Join David Ansara, Martin van Staden and guest Joe Emilio as they dive into some of the most pressing issues of the week.

Jun 27 •

Rational Standard Editor

Privatise Post, Post-Haste

Privatising the SAPO would save the fiscus billions, while also freeing up a much-needed institution to be taken over by people that actually know and…

Jun 27 •

Nicholas Woode-Smith

Youth Month means nothing without jobs

We owe young South Africans the truth: the policies defended in their name are holding them back.

Jun 26 •

Why Governments should budget like a household

The laws of economics do not change simply because politicians wish them to.

Jun 25 •

RS Guest Author

We need more taxpayers, not more tax

There should be no discussion on raising tax. If anything, higher tax brackets should be eliminated and taxes that hold back economic growth should be…

Jun 24 •

Nicholas Woode-Smith

Equating Gaza with Auschwitz Is an Error

Comparing Gaza to Auschwitz blurs the moral and historical clarity that genocide demands

Jun 23 •

RS Guest Author

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