Issued by: African National Congress
While there may be some problems with this particular research, including with the comparability of the surveys in 1994,1995 and 1997, the trends are broadly consistent with most current research. However, some of the interpretations being articulated around these figures are not entirely persuasive and are open to serious questions.
LESS GLOWING ACCOUNT OF GOVERNMENT
Attitudes are being compared in very different circumstances.
1995. These results were registered after the achievement of democracy in South Africa. At this time, government was formulating policy and launching a programme of action. Whereas in 1997, the country had three years experience of implementation which has provided challenges and problems. Both the government and ANC members have voiced the need to speed up delivery, acknowledged mistakes and the need to deal with removing blockages to improve efficiency, co-ordination and good governance. A more critical attitude to the party by its supporters does not mean that members are about to leave the party, but rather have the space to articulate their perspectives in a challenging way.
Such a shift is to be expected at this stage. But it also indicates the readiness of ANC supporters to express criticism of their party and government. This is to be welcomed and is consistent with what other aspects of the survey reveal: namely, the strong commitment of ANC supporters to democracy and democratic principles.
LESS CLOSE IDENTIFICATION WITH PARTY
This is not abnormal during and electoral cycle, and comes as no surprise.
In particular, the 1994 figure, according toe IDASA, is for people's feelings of closeness to a party on election day - the very day they voted for that party. It is obvious that respondents would feel particularly attached to the party that they voted for.
TO ignore the context in which people respond to this question is therefore misleading and provides no basis for the conclusion that there is such a large body of people that might switch allegiance. At this stage of the electoral cycle it is natural for attitudes to parties to be less intense. THe conclusion that these people are now committed to being independent of allegiance to any party is not convincing.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa
Issued by Dept. of Information & Publicity
P.O. Box 61884
Marshalltown
2107
6 Oct'97