People are split on whether it is time to change South Africa's Constitution

One in five do not know

Johannesburg, 10 May 2012:  Whilst 39% of metro adults feel that South Africa's Constitution does not need to be changed at the moment, 41% disagree - but 20% gave a "don't know" response.  These figures were released today by TNS South Africa, South Africa's leading marketing and social insights company.  They arise from a study of 2 000 metro adults in South Africa's seven major metropolitan areas, conducted between 13 and 24 April 2012. The study has a margin of error of less than 2½% for the overall result.

Not surprisingly, there are large differences between the different race groups:

• South Africa's Constitution does not need to be changed at the moment - 39% (41% disagree)
  • Blacks - 43% (36% disagree and 21% don't know)
  • Whites - 31% (50% disagree and 19% disagree)
  • Coloureds - 31% (47% disagree and 22% don't know)
  • Indians/Asians - 27% (59% disagree and 14% don't know)

There are no age and gender differences.

Geographically, there are also notable differences, driven largely by the differing racial profiles of the different areas

Those living in informal housing gave the strongest views with 59% feeling that the Constitution does not need to be changed at the moment.  There are no significant differences across the black language groups.

Our take out

People are split on the need to change South Africa's Constitution at the moment with a high one in five being unable to decide.  It is likely that there is a great need to educate people about what the Constitution provides for, given that many international jurists hold up our Constitution as one of the best in the world.  It is clear that the consequences - positive or negative - of any change will need to be very clearly debated so that an informed view can emerge.

In a 2008 study also conducted by TNS, 46% of metro adults felt that South Africa has one of the best Constitutions in the world.  Then, 29% disagreed and 25% gave a "don't know" response.

TNS also found then that 56% of people felt that the rights that are protected by the Constitution have improved their lives.  This figure rose to 68% amongst blacks but was only about a third for other race groups.

The conclusion reached by TNS in 2008 was that there was also a clear need for citizens to know more about what makes our Constitution so unique. 

It is clear that there needs to much more public debate about what our Constitution is all about.

Technical note:

The study was conducted amongst 2 000 adults (1290 blacks, 345 whites, 245 coloureds and 115 Indians/Asians) in the seven major metropolitan areas: it has a margin of error of under 2.5% for the results found for the total sample.  The study used probability sampling techniques and is fully representative of the major metropolitan areas.  It was conducted by TNS South Africa as part of their ongoing research into current social and political issues and was funded by TNS. 

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.

Statement issued by Neil Higgs, TNS South Africa, May 15 2012

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