Zuma's declining popularity in metro areas
The president's rating in metro areas continues to drop, with 33% stating that Jacob Zuma is doing a good job as the president of the country, compared to 37% in November 2014. These figures, however, differ by race and area, with 43% of black people saying that the president is doing a good job versus 11% of white people, 11% of coloured people and 18% of Asian people. In 2014, 48% of black people agreed with the statement, a 5% drop in support from this group.
Those residing in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape are less likely to approve of the president (13% and 16% respectively) whilst 54% of those in KwaZulu-Natal (a drop from 66% in November 2014) believe that he is doing a good job.
Age also seemed to have an influence on how people viewed the president; 53% of those aged 18 to 24 years felt that Zuma is not doing a good job as president versus 64% of those aged 50 years and older who share the same sentiment. Zulu speakers are more likely to agree that the president is doing a good job, with 58% of them saying he is doing a good job versus 15% of English, 8% of Afrikaans, 30% of Xhosa, 32% of Sotho and 38% of Tswana speakers.
The life stage of individuals, i.e. whether there are children in the household or not, did not impact how people felt about the president; however, their economic wellbeing seems to have an impact - 11% of LSM 10 compared to 42% of LSM 6 agreed that the president is doing a good job.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa
The survey also asked respondents what their thoughts are about the deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa. A third of the people said they 'don't know' whether he would make a good president whilst 38% think he would. Black people are the most positive at 47%, with white people at 21%, Asian people at 18% and coloured people at 17%. People in Cape Town (19%) and the Eastern Cape (21%) were less positive in their belief that he would make a good president.
South Africans and the future
Although the sentiment towards our leadership is largely negative, many South Africans remain positive about the country. Whilst 14% are thinking of leaving the country, 61% believe that South Africa is a winning nation and 63% feel that South Africa will overcome the current challenges faced. However, the views also differ by race, with 43% of white people and 67% of black people who think that South Africa is a winning nation. That said, 71% believe that they can make a positive contribution to the future of South Africa. What is encouraging is that 87% are proud to be South African. However, 76% of the people interviewed are worried that the general condition of the country is deteriorating. Over half are concerned that the country is heading towards a social and economic collapse. This concern, in particular, resonates more with individuals of a higher LSM; over 60% of those in LSM 9 to 10 are concerned and 61% of those aged 25 to 34 years. Also, 44% of whites do not feel positive about South Africa and its future compared to 15% of black people, 38% of coloured people and 27% of Asian people.
Technical note
TNS's omnibus survey was conducted among 2,000 adults (age 18+) between February and March 2015, in the seven major metropolitan areas. The study was conducted as part of TNS's ongoing research into current social and political issues.
About TNS
TNS advises clients on specific growth strategies around new market entry, innovation, brand switching and stakeholder management, based on long-established expertise and market-leading solutions. With a presence in over 80 countries, TNS has more conversations with the world's consumers than anyone else and understands individual human behaviours and attitudes across every cultural, economic and political region of the world. TNS is part of Kantar, one of the world's largest insight, information and consultancy groups. Please visit www.tnsglobal.com for more information.
About Kantar
Kantar is one of the world's largest insight, information and consultancy groups. By uniting the diverse talents of its 13 specialist companies, the group aims to become the pre-eminent provider of compelling and inspirational insights for the global business community. Its 28,500 employees work across 100 countries and across the whole spectrum of research and consultancy disciplines, enabling the group to offer clients business insights at each and every point of the consumer cycle. The group's services are employed by over half of the Fortune Top 500 companies. For further information, please visit us at www.kantar.com.
For more information contact: Amien Ahmed on 021 657 9500 or email az.oc.labolgsnt@demhA.
Kantar is the world's leading evidence-based insights and consulting company. We have a complete, unique and rounded understanding of how people think, feel and act; globally and locally in over 90 markets. By combining the deep expertise of our people, our data resources and benchmarks, our innovative analytics and technology we help our clients understand people and inspire growth.
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