Survey reveals SA’s lack of faith in education minister

Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga is the “least trusted” senior government official among South Africans.

According to survey company Ask Africa, Motshekga has been dominating their research findings for three weeks.

They have been conducting weekly surveys since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown on March 26.

According to the report, 48% of respondents said they trusted Motshekga, who trails behind Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who is trusted by 53% of respondents. 

The survey found that a lack of transparency and a perceived agenda in conflict with “working for the people” drives distrust in ministers. 

Methodology

Ask Afrika is conducting weekly research with the aim of understanding the socio-economic impact on South Africans with the coronavirus lockdown and the gradual reopening of the economy.

According to the report, quantitative research was done over the past 13 weeks, using a 10 minute questionnaire. 

A total of 6 100 interviews were conducted and the quota structure aligned with the proportions of the South African population. 

Of the participating respondents, 74% were black, 12% white, 9% coloured and 5% Indian or Asian. Women made up 53% and men 47%. The largest represented age group was 25 to 34 (34%) and the second largest 35 to 49 (28%).

Survey findings

According to the report, citizens mostly claim to wear masks to protect themselves from contracting the virus, then to protect others.

Masks are mostly worn in public spaces, when visiting a store, using public transport or going to work.

Factors that inhibit mask wearing include the feeling of not being able to breathe. 

Only 41% of citizens will however continue using the elbow greeting, and the need for socialisation is high. Social media continues to fulfil this need, as most people use it to stay in touch with loved ones.

Trust in the mainstream media has increased as compared to the beginning of Level 3.