Julius Malema's support drops - survey

2012-05-16 13:00

Johannesburg - Only 20% of a group of 2 000 metropolitan adults support what Julius Malema says and does, a recent survey revealed.

"This is in the same region as the 17% of September 2011, the 21% measured in mid-2010 and down on the 27% seen at the end of 2009," the researchers said on Wednesday.

The study was conducted by TNS South Africa between April 13 and 24, before the African National Congress Youth League leader was expelled from the ANC.

Eight percent of those polled gave a "don't know" response - down from 11% last year.

Asked to agree or disagree with the statement: "I support what Julius Malema says and does", blacks were 27% in favour, whites 8%, coloureds 5%, and Indians/Asians 6%.

Drop in support

Researchers found a drop in support for Malema among 18 to 24-year-olds - to 21%, from 26% in 2001 - and a rise among 35 to 59-year-olds.

Support among 35 to 59-year-olds rose to 19% from 13%, and for 50 to 59-year-olds it rose from 7% to 14%.

Support in the 60 plus age group rose from 5% to 6%.

His support levels reach 25% among the unemployed, compared with 19% amongst those working.

Twenty one percent of men showed support for Malema, compared with 18% of women.

The gender difference was "particularly marked" for blacks, at 29% for men and 25% for women.

However, the figure for blacks is slightly up on the 26% for 2011, but down on the 30% in 2010. The 8% support from whites is also up on the 2% in 2011, and 5% in 2010.

The figure for coloureds rose from zero in 2011 and 7% in 2010.

Gauteng support

In Gauteng, Malema's overall support stood at 28%, up from 20% in September 2011. In mid 2010, it was 23% and at end 2009 it was 32%.

His highest support in Gauteng in the latest survey was in Soweto at 42% (23% in September 2011, 34% in mid 2010, 31% at end 2009) and lowest in the Vaal Triangle at 19% (31% in September 2011, 16% in mid 2010, 30% at end 2009).

In Cape Town it was 9% (11% for the three previous surveys); in Durban 10% (12% in September 2011, 24% in mid 2011, 32% at end 2009); in Port Elizabeth 9% (22% in September 2011, 8% in mid 2011, 17% at end 2009); and East London 14% (9% in September 2011, 25% in mid 2011, 24% at end 2009) and in Bloemfontein 11% (43% in September 2011, 33% in mid 2001, 40% at end 2009).

In terms of language, support levels are highest among those whose home language is Setswana (36%) and the lowest among isiXhosa speakers (22%), with isiZulu home language speakers coming in at 25% and SeSotho speakers at 29%.

- SAPA