Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
17 December 2024 | 17:22 CAT
3-minute read

Image: LinkedIn, Chunka Mui

A new Ipsos survey has found that 65% on average across 31 countries believe that 2024 was a tough year for their country. Although it is a high figure, it is actually 5 points less compared to last year. The latest edition of the Ipsos Prediction Survey unveils the public’s assessment of the last 12 months alongside their forecast for the year to come.

Mary Harris, Ipsos political analyst, spoke to Radio Islam International about the survey results during an interview. She began by outlining the South African statistics, which indicate that a larger proportion of our citizens believed the past 12 months were bad four our country than the rest of the world.

“In South Africa, it was 73% who thought it was a bad year for the country. But we were not worst in the world. South Korea was 11 points worse than us,” Harris noted.

Eighty-three percent of Turkey’s population also assessed the year negatively, Harris said, followed by France, Peru, Hungary, Great Britain and Romania.

Meanwhile, the Chinese believe that the year was good for their country, with only one-third of the population having indicated otherwise.

The survey also evaluated people’s assessment of the year on a personal level. Overall, results show that people’s personal situation was evaluated more positively, with 63% of South Africans and 30% of Chinese having responded negatively.

“The value of the study lies in looking ahead at 2025. We see a strong streak of optimism coming through from many countries in the world. We are almost back at the pre-Covid levels. And currently, worldwide, 71% are optimistic about 2025. In South Africa, we are extremely optimistic and 84% are saying that 2025 will be a much better year,” Harris said.

While South African citizens remain concerned about the country’s economic situation, global dynamics including the wars that continue to rage, global warming and climate change, we are far more positive than we were at the beginning of 2024.

The study is conducted in 33 countries using the Global Advisor online platform. While results for some countries are representative of the total population, the results are skewed in other countries, mainly due to reach and accessibility- the survey is offered online, and thus only accessible to those with an internet connection.

“In countries like us, in most of Eastern Europe, in the Latin American countries, and a lot of the East Asian countries, it is more urban, more educated, more affluent and a more connected sample. That’s the case in South Africa,” Harris explained.

The results show that people from across the globe, including South Africa, are concerned about the economy and are anticipating increased prices, spiralling taxes and higher unemployment rates.

South Africans have historically identified unemployment as the biggest problem facing the country.

“In South Africa, if we ask people what is the biggest issue in the country, it is always unemployment. Since the early 1990s, every study we did, people mentioned unemployment. And still, South Africa is the most worried about growing unemployment in 2025. Our proportion stands at 84% and the global country averages at 68%,” Harris said.

Among other things, South Africans have expressed concerns about stagnating income rates despite the sharp increase in the cost of goods and services, as well as potential tax increases in 2025.

Technological advancement emerged as a polarising topic among South Africans. While many acknowledge its potential to drive progress, others remain wary of its impact and have expressed concern about AI and its effect on employment.

South Africans’ unease over technology mirrors their concerns about privacy in an increasingly digital world. Yet, there is also recognition that technology holds promise for addressing pressing challenges like food security.

Climate change continues to cast a shadow over South Africa’s future. Rising temperatures, floods and droughts are anticipated with growing alarm. Harris pointed out that while such concerns are universal, South Africans feel unprepared.

Security, too, remains a source of anxiety, with two-thirds of respondents expressing fear of a potential nuclear conflict—significantly higher than in nuclear-armed nations. Harris attributed this to South Africa’s global perspective: “We are watching the unrest in places like North Africa, Ethiopia… the war in the Middle East, definitely from far away… So, it looks more daunting.”

Interestingly, the Ipsos survey also explored lighter predictions, providing a moment of levity amid weightier issues. One such question asked respondents whether aliens might visit Earth in 2025. South Africans were in line with the global average, with 18% expressing belief in extraterrestrial visitors. In contrast, over half of India’s population shared this conviction, making them the most optimistic—or imaginative—about alien arrivals.

The Ipsos survey paints a clear picture of a country grappling with deep economic worries, environmental uncertainties, and the challenges of technological disruption. Yet it also captures the enduring optimism of South Africans—a belief that, despite it all, better days lie ahead.

As Harris concluded, “All in all, we are more positive than what we were at the beginning of 2024.” Perhaps this optimism is South Africa’s greatest strength: the ability to confront adversity with resilience and hope.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Habib Bobat.