nationally representative phone survey of South Africa
Method of interview
Questionnaires and telephone interviews
Supplementary notes
Question asked: "What do you think is the biggest problem facing South Africa right now?"
The source states that they selected telephone numbers at random from the universe of possible numbers in South Africa. The data presented only includes registered voters and is weighted according to national statistics on gender, age and province. Only registered voters.
The results have been modelled based on the 66% turnout of the last General Election in 2019 with a Margin of Error: 3% at the 95% confidence interval.
Citation formats
Share of opinions on the biggest problems facing South Africa in 2024
South Africa faces sizable challenges, with unemployment and corruption topping the list of concerns among its citizens as of 2024. A recent survey revealed that ** percent of its respondents view unemployment as the country's biggest problem, closely followed by corruption at ** percent. These issues, along with load shedding, weak leadership, and crime, paint a picture of a nation grappling with complex socio-economic difficulties.
Government performance under scrutiny
The African National Congress (ANC) government bears the brunt of criticism, with ** percent of South Africans holding the party responsible for the country's main problems. This dissatisfaction is further evidenced by a 2022 survey showing widespread disapproval of the government's handling of key economic issues. An overwhelming ** percent believed the government performed poorly in keeping prices stable, while ** percent criticized its failure to create jobs. The unemployment crisis is particularly acute among young South Africans, with the rate for those aged 15 to 24 reaching a staggering **** percent in the second quarter of 2024.
Corruption and economic concerns persist
Corruption remains a pressing issue, with South Africa's Corruption Perception Index dropping to its lowest recorded level of ** points in 2023. This decline underscores the ongoing struggle to combat corruption effectively. The impact of these challenges on the population is evident, with ** percent of survey respondents expressing worry about financial and political corruption in December 2024. As the country continues to navigate these complex issues, addressing corruption and stimulating job creation will be crucial for improving the nation's economic outlook and public confidence. Â
Profit from the additional features of your individual account
Currently, you are using a shared account. To use individual functions (e.g., mark statistics as favourites, set
statistic alerts) please log in with your personal account.
If you are an admin, please authenticate by logging in again.
Learn more about how ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ can support your business.
The Brenthurst Foundation. (March 9, 2024). Share of opinions on the biggest problems facing South Africa in 2024 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Retrieved July 26, 2026, from /statistics/1500152/opinions-on-most-important-problems-facing-south-africa/
The Brenthurst Foundation. "Share of opinions on the biggest problems facing South Africa in 2024." Chart. March 9, 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. Accessed July 26, 2026. /statistics/1500152/opinions-on-most-important-problems-facing-south-africa/
The Brenthurst Foundation. (2024). Share of opinions on the biggest problems facing South Africa in 2024. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 26, 2026. /statistics/1500152/opinions-on-most-important-problems-facing-south-africa/
The Brenthurst Foundation. "Share of Opinions on The Biggest Problems Facing South Africa in 2024." ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Inc., 9 Mar 2024, /statistics/1500152/opinions-on-most-important-problems-facing-south-africa/
The Brenthurst Foundation, Share of opinions on the biggest problems facing South Africa in 2024 ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ, /statistics/1500152/opinions-on-most-important-problems-facing-south-africa/ (last visited July 26, 2026)
Share of opinions on the biggest problems facing South Africa in 2024 [Graph], The Brenthurst Foundation, March 9, 2024. [Online]. Available: /statistics/1500152/opinions-on-most-important-problems-facing-south-africa/