Malema, Zuma tie for president in poll survey results

RESULTS of Independent Media and IOL’s first poll survey in the run-up to the national and provincial elections show that 75.1% of registered voters in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban plan to vote on May 29.

The news agencies announced recently that they had commissioned African Innovation Research SA (Airsa), a subsidiary of African Innovation Solutions, to conduct bi-weekly polls on the May 29 elections.

The results of the first poll, using a sample of 1000 respondents from the country’s major cities, were made available yesterday.

Some of the important takeaways from the first poll survey include:

Voter registration and election participation:

The majority of respondents, approximately 97.38%, are registered to vote, indicating a high level of civic engagement. However, a notable 2.62% are not registered. Out of the 1 000 respondents, 75.1% plan to vote in the upcoming elections.

Perceptions of Cyril Ramaphosa’s presidency:

Opinions on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s performance vary. Ratings provided ranged from 0 to 10, with an average rating of approximately 4.345.

While some respondents expressed approval or satisfaction with his presidency, just over half were critical, citing issues such as corruption, economic challenges and lack of leadership.

Preferences for the next president:

The preferences, from highest to lowest percentages, are as follows: • Julius Malema: 21.45%

• Jacob Zuma: 21.45%

• Cyril Ramaphosa: 15.56%

• John Steenhuisen: 5.26% • Velenkosini Hlabisa: 4.52% • Chris Pappas: 4.10% • Herman Mashaba: 2.94% Malema and Zuma emerge as the most preferred candidates, each receiving approximately 21.45% of the total responses. Ramaphosa follows closely with 15.56%.

Other candidates, such as Steenhuisen, Hlabisa, Pappas and Mashaba, also received varying levels of support. Party preference:

The EFF emerged as the preferred party among respondents, with 20.6% indicating their preference for it. This was followed by the ANC with 19% of respondents.

When it comes to championing youth issues, the EFF emerges as the clear favourite, with approximately 51.42% respondents indicating their approval. The ANC scored approximately 16.50%.

Independent Media editor-inchief Adri Senekal de Wet said the poll helped to serve as a barometer of public opinion.

“It’s our duty as a media organisation to delve deeper into these findings, ensuring our coverage is both insightful and reflective of the diverse voices within our society,” said Senekal de Wet. The detailed results of the poll will be covered in Independent Media publications and on IOL in the weeks leading up to the elections on May 29.