HEARTBEAT OF A NATION: EXPLORING A NATION THROUGH TEN BEHAVIOURAL GROUPS
While being proud democrats, Cautious Optimists are also characterized by their strong perceptions on South Africa’s stagnated development over the past few years due to government’s poor performance. 71% of this group trusts the private sector, a number indicating significantly stronger support in the private sector than for the government and political parties. A large portion (17%) of this group is undecided on their party of choice. However, they have recently started gaining renewed confidence in government, recognizing efforts made to create a conducive and equal South Africa for all who live in it.
The group is comprised of people who are marginalized and poor. Many rely on social grants as a major source of income, while those who are employed receive a monthly gross household income of R10 827 and a monthly gross personal income of R5 372, figures significantly lower than the national average. Only 44% of this group is employed, which is lower than the average of all the behavioural groups. Considering that the majority of this group live in rural areas, their participation in sports or similar activities is very low, and they normally find themselves deprived of many opportunities such as funding for university fees, access to health care and basic government services. With the little that this group has, they remain strongly motivated to support others, and their communities. However, increased marginalization resulted in a withdrawal of engagements with others due to their circumstances. Further, this group does not follow current affairs and therefore show a low discernment on a day to day to affairs that affects others and the country. While members of this group may not express experiences of racism and other forms of discrimination, the group is aware of the growing racial divide in South Africa and the lack of appropriate action taken to deal with racial tensions.
Constituting ten percent of the South African population, this group has a notable presence of 33% in Gauteng, and have maintained a stronghold in KwaZulu-Natal at 22%. The representation of Black and Coloured people are both one percent higher than the national average, respectively making up 80% and 10% of this group. Whereas the representation of Indian and White people are low, respectively making up two and seven percent of the groups composition.
Behavioural Group Research Methodology
Survey classification | Description |
Research conducted by | African Response and MarkData |
Confidentiality | Respondent information is kept confidential and in line with ESOMAR Code of Conduct practices |
Survey dates | The survey was administered between October and November 2019 |
Sample size | n = 2 500, a final sample of 2 506 realised |
Sample selection | Multi-staged stratified random design using StastSA 2018 mid-year population estimates |
Margin of error | 0.097 at 95% confidence level |
Data collection methodology | Face-to-face in-home interviews on Computer Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) devices |
Weighting of data | Weighted, using RIM weight methodology. Weight efficiency was 87% |
Reporting | Weighted, percentages are rounded |
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Contact: Dr. Petrus de Kock, Brand South Africa, General Manager – Research +27 11 –712 5000 petrusd@brandsouthafrica.com