Afrikaners 'showing the way'

2005-12-04 23:02

Johannesburg - The Afrikaans population has shown the most radical change in political outlook of all groups since 1994, market research company African Response (AR) announced on Sunday.

"While the clear liberalisation of the younger Afrikaner is apparent, the older Afrikaner has shown far higher support for affirmative action and equality among races," said AR media director Anina Maree.

"South Africans, generally, have become more positive in their attitude towards the country and its leaders, but the greatest shift is amongst Afrikaans-speaking people."

Maree said there was a much higher percentage of "enthusiasts" as a group and the emergence of the recently-named "new believers".

"The youth also have a major hand to play in increased optimism and positive attitudes and as the leaders of tomorrow, are an interesting group to track."

She said the youth embraced democratic principles and supported South Africa's role in African peacekeeping.

"Those who previously had pessimistic attitudes are now giving way to growing confidence."

Maree described this trend as an "attitudinal shift".

More information can be found at www.africanresponse.co.za.

- SAPA