Most young South Africans believe President Jacob Zuma must return to court to face dropped corruption charges, according to a survey released on Thursday (11/10/2012).
"When respondents were asked whether corruption charges against Zuma should be reinstated, 66 percent felt that he should be charged again, 24 percent felt that he should not and 10 percent were unable to decide,” said consumer insights company Pondering Panda, who conducted the survey.
A total of 3408 people between the ages of 18 and 34 took part in the survey.
Opinions on charging Zuma varied by race.
Sixty-four percent of young blacks felt Zuma should be charged again, in contrast to 78 percent for whites, 76 percent for coloureds, and 79 percent for Indians.
"Sympathy for Zuma was strongest in KwaZulu-Natal, where only 47 percent of respondents were in favour of charging him again.” The same survey found that a majority of the youth believed expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema deserved to be taken to court on a charge of money laundering.
Fifty-one percent thought he deserved to be taken to court, 37 percent thought he was being unfairly treated, and 13 percent were undecided.
"The contrast between attitudes to Zuma and Malema is illustrated by this survey,” researcher Shirley Wakefield said.
"It is clear that the majority of young South Africans feel that Zuma needs to face the music and clear his name when it comes to the corruption charges that were dropped against him.” She said this was in line with ”negative feelings” about Zuma from youth.
"In contrast, the survey shows that Malema enjoys a support base that cannot be ignored,” Wakefield said.
”Although more respondents were in favour of him being charged, than those against, the fact that 37 percent felt he is being unfairly victimised is significant.” - Sapa
