While the covid-19 pandemic and national lockdown have been a constant strain on everyone over the past year, South Africans say they have more concerns.
Global pollster Ipsos’ latest “What Worries the World” report shows that South Africans are more involved in emerging unemployment, violent crime and government corruption, with covid-19 falling to the bottom of the list of things stressing them out.
The Ipsos survey is conducted monthly and evaluates reviews from others in 27 countries around the world, who are asked about 18 major points of tension.
Unsurprisingly in the context of a global pandemic, the Covid-19 crisis emerged as the biggest fear globally, with 47% of all respondents identifying it as their most sensible fear in December. This continues the trend seen for much of 2020.
“The maximum global fear about the coronavirus recorded in recent months has decreased. Almost a fraction of our respondents globally (47%) says Covid-19 is one of the most sensitive issues facing their country, at the same time as in November,” Ipsos said.
“This is the ninth month that the virus has occupied the most sensitive place, following its first inclusion as a survey category in April 2020. “
Then there are unemployment, poverty and social inequality, points that have been exacerbated during the pandemic.
South African respondents had greater concerns.
Only a quarter (24%) positions Covid-19 as their top concern, with the maximum targeting unemployment, corruption and crime. Of all the countries surveyed, South Africans found that corruption and crime are the most pressing problems.
Here are the five most sensible considerations for South Africans:
South Africa is facing unprecedented economic decline and record levels of unemployment, while news of covid-19-like government corruption continues to make headlines.
And while much of the world is pessimistic about where things are headed, South Africans are negative, with 80% of respondents saying the country is heading in that direction.
Read: Disturbing findings about corruption in South African youth