South Africans losing faith in the GNU, study reveals

'NOT ALWAYS OBJECTIVE'

- MASHUDU SADIKE

A NEW Ipsos study, “What Worries the World,” has revealed a dramatic return to pre-election pessimism about the country’s direction, marking a sharp decline from the initial surge of optimism that followed the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) formation in mid-2024.

With 80% of South Africans believing the nation was on the “wrong track” opposition parties have seized upon the “chilling revelations” to voice outrage and condemn the GNU, highlighting its perceived failures and the ongoing infighting between its main partners, the ANC and the DA.

The data, which tracks online South African sentiment over 20 months, shows how public mood, initially lifted by the prospect of a united government, has now plummeted to levels mirroring the uncertainty before the May 2024 national elections.

Robyn Williams, the service line manager at Ipsos South Africa, said the ‘What Worries the World’ study offered an exceptional snapshot of world opinion on pressing global issues.

“The findings of this measurement show that it reacts to the reality on the ground in the country and tells the story of South Africa's political journey over the past two years.