BusinessNews

Survey finds South Africans are confident of a happy future for all races

Flag and plane

According to data collected late last year by independent research company, Ipsos, more than two thirds of adult South Africans (68%) are confident that all population groups in the “rainbow nation” should enjoy a happy future.

“With the recent media coverage of expressions of racism on social media, it is easy to believe that we are slipping back into the habits that many South Africans have worked so hard to overcome,” states Mari Harris. “It is worth highlighting that the majority of South Africans, as shown in this data, are optimistic about a happy future for all of us, regardless of the current issues.”

These findings are according to polls by market and opinion research company Ipsos and this research was conducted prior to the recent incidents covered in the media relating to racist comments. A total of 3,617 randomly chosen adult South Africans were interviewed in their homes and home languages in September / October 2015 (see Technical Detail for more information).

This sentiment is at its highest levels of optimism since around 2008, as shown in the graph below.

1

When looking across the population, it is clear that this positive sentiment is far more pronounced amongst the younger generation – which indicates a possible positive development in the future.  However, it must also be mentioned that young people across the world are generally more positive than older generations.

2

Looking across the provinces, Mpumalanga shows the highest levels of optimism, with 83% believing in a happy future for all races in South Africa. Western Cape shows the lowest degree of confidence (49%). Confidence levels in Gauteng are slightly below those of the total population at 64%.

3

Technical detail

A total of 3,617 personal face-to-face interviews were conducted with randomly selected adult South Africans. The interviews were done in the homes and home languages of respondents.  Trained quantitative fieldworkers from all population groups were responsible for the interviewing, which took place from 17 September to 19 October 2015.  Interviews were done all over the country, from metropolitan areas to deep rural areas. This methodology ensured that the results are representative of the views of the universe and that findings can be weighted and projected to the universe – i.e. South Africans 15 years and older.

Interviews were conducted using CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing) and all results were collated and analyzed in an aggregate format to protect the identity and confidentiality of respondents.

All sample surveys are subject to a margin of error, determined by sample size, sampling methodology and response rate. The sample error for the sample as a whole at a 95% confidence level is a maximum of 1,63%.

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks third in the global research industry.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of € 1.712,4 million (2 274 M$) in 2013.

With offices in 87 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across six research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos’ offerings and capabilities.

Pin It on Pinterest