South Africans are losing faith in the GNU, study finds

ANEW 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.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

With a staggering 80% of South Africans believing the nation is on the “wrong track,’ opposition parties have seized upon the “chilling revelations” to voice their 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.

Service Line Manager at Ipsos South Africa, Robyn Williams 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.

“We can clearly see how major political events, from election uncertainty to GNU formation and subsequent challenges, directly impact public confidence about the country's trajectory,” he said.