Politics

“I resign as president of the Republic with immediate effect. Even though I disagree with the decision of the leadership of my organisation.” These words of ex-president Jacob Zuma brought to end nine difficult years in the short history of the South African democracy.

The big question in the news at the moment revolves around who should deliver the SONA (State of the Nation Address) on Thursday.

The latest Ipsos Global @dvisor poll was carried out in 28 countries around the world at the end of 2017. It asked over 21,500 online adults aged under 64 their predictions for 2018.

Young people in South Africa do not think that “South Africa will be able to recover from being downgraded to junk status”. Only 45% of 15-17 year olds and a third (34%) of 18-24 years olds believe that South Africa will recover. These are some of the findings of a recent Pulse of the People™ study undertaken by Ipsos, interviewing 3,598 adults, of which 866 (24%) were younger than 25 years old. The study was conducted from 21 April to 22 May 2017.

The approval rating of President Jacob Zuma, as expressed by South African voters and even by ANC supporters is at the lowest level ever, according to the latest eNCA/Ipsos Approval Ratings poll. In addition, the majority of South Africans are asking for his resignation.

Welcome to the May edition of Ipsos Update, our monthly round-up of Ipsos’ research and thinking from around the world.

South Africans appear disheartened by the country's political leadership, according to the latest eNCA / Ipsos Approval Ratings poll.

Welcome to the first Ipsos Update of 2017 - our monthly selection of research and thinking from Ipsos’ teams around the world.

JOHANNESBURG – South Africans appear disheartened by the country's political leadership, according to the latest eNCA / Ipsos Approval Ratings poll.