South Africa:

Photo: Gallo Images / Phill Magakoe

Which South Africans have the most – and least – trust in Ramaphosa?

Do you trust Cyril Ramaphosa? If so, you’ll find yourself in the MINORITY of South Africans – but who are his biggest supporters… and haters?

South Africa:

Photo: Gallo Images / Phill Magakoe

You don’t have to be a pensioner to support Cyril Ramaphosa, but it might help. Afrobarometer has released the results of its latest poll, which seeks to establish how much trust the general public has in President Cyril Ramaphosa.

As far as approval ratings go, this won’t be much comfort for the 68-year-old head of state.

Who trusts Cyril Ramaphosa in South Africa?

Just 38% of South Africans surveyed say that they trust Cyril Ramaphosa. He enjoys his biggest share of support from the elderly, where’s he is backed by 51% of the demographic. Those aged 25 or under, however, are literally at the opposite end of the scale: Their 33% trust rating for the president represents the lowest of all totals.

“A clearer division is visible from a generational perspective: Only about one-third of 18- to-35-year-olds express trust in the president, compared to roughly half of those above age 45. Furthermore, less educated citizens in lived poverty express greater trust in the president than those with more schooling who have never been in lived poverty.”

Trusted by older citizens, unsupported by the youth

Many other factors, such as education status, experiences with poverty, geographical location and gender, have also been probed. Those with a lower level of education tend to be more supportive of Ramaphosa, whereas those who have experienced poverty also struggle to trust the president. A gap has opened up in the gender divide, too.

Whereas 41% of men do have faith in Cyril, only 35% of women share that goodwill. Rural citizens also tend to trust Ramaphosa more than their urban counterparts – and you can view the full set of results here:

  • More than 65 years old: 51%
  • Between 46-55 years old: 49%
  • No formal education: 47%
  • Primary education: 46%
  • Between 56-65 years old: 45%
  • No lived poverty: 42%
  • Low lived poverty: 41%
  • Men: 41%
  • Rural citizens: 40%
  • Post-secondary education: 39%
  • Between 36-45 years old: 38%
  • Overall Average: 38%
  • Urban citizens: 37%
  • Women: 35%
  • High lived poverty: 35%
  • Secondary education: 35%
  • Between 26-35 years old: 34%
  • Moderate lived poverty: 34%
  • Between 18-25 years old: 33%