President Zuma's metro approval levels stabilize close to lowest levels, while fence sitters make up their mind
Johannesburg, 1 JULY 2013: The president's approval ratings have stayed close to their lowest ever levels in a survey conducted among 2000 SA adults living in the seven major metropolitan areas of South Africa. The survey, conducted in the middle two weeks of May saw an approval rating of 42%. Approval ratings fell to their lowest ever level in February, with 41% saying they believe the president is doing a good job.
Historically, the net sentiment towards the president has been positive in general, but with many sitting on the fence. In 2009, up to 31% were undecided about the president. Those sitting on the fence fell to 14% in 2011 with the net sentiment still being generally positive. Over the last year, however, the fence sitters have made up their minds about the president with fewer than 10% undecided, and the net sentiment towards the president is negative.
* Net positives are given by subtracting those who feel he is NOT doing a good job from those who feel he IS doing a good job.
|
% |
Apr-09 |
Jun-09 |
Sep-09 |
Nov-09 |
Feb-10 |
May-10 |
Sep-10 |
Nov-10 |
Feb-11 |
Mar-11 |
Sep-11 |
O/N 2011 |
|
Approve |
52 |
57 |
53 |
58 |
43 |
51 |
42 |
49 |
49 |
48 |
45 |
48 |
|
Disapprove |
29 |
13 |
19 |
23 |
41 |
33 |
44 |
34 |
35 |
38 |
41 |
38 |
|
Don't know |
19 |
31 |
28 |
19 |
17 |
16 |
15 |
17 |
16 |
14 |
14 |
14 |
|
Net positives* |
23 |
44 |
34 |
35 |
2 |
18 |
-2 |
15 |
14 |
10 |
4 |
10 |
***
|
% |
Feb-12 |
Apr-12 |
Aug-12 |
Feb-13 |
May-13 |
|
Approve |
55 |
46 |
48 |
41 |
42 |
|
Disapprove |
35 |
46 |
44 |
51 |
50 |
|
Don't know |
10 |
8 |
8 |
9 |
8 |
|
Net positives* |
20 |
0 |
4 |
-10 |
-8 |
***
***
Our take out
When President Zuma first came into office, many gave him the benefit of the doubt. Over time people have formed views about the president, and some who previously may have been positive have changed their views. Overall, sentiment towards the president has become negative.
Technical note:
All the studies were conducted amongst 2 000 adults (1260 to 1290 blacks, 350 to 385 whites, 240 coloureds and 115 Indians/Asians) in the seven major metropolitan areas: they have a margin of error of under 2.5% for the results found for the total sample. The studies use probability sampling techniques and are fully representative of the major metropolitan areas. The studies were conducted by TNS South Africa as part of their ongoing research into current social and political issues and were funded by TNS.
Statement issued by Thomas Verryn, TNS South Africa Business Unit Director, July 1 2013
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