President Cyril Ramaphosa remains South Africa’s most favourable leader, according to new research by Citizen Survey.
The research company revealed its 2019 Quarter 2 (April-June) South African Citizens Survey (SACS) on Tuesday.
The survey showed that in the last nine months, Ramaphosa’s favourability rating has risen to 62% as of July.
This is from a low of 55% in the last quarter of 2018 when revelations from the Zondo Commission on state capture began to affect public perceptions.
Malema declines, Maimane constant
In contrast, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has seen his favourability drop to 25% in the second quarter of 2019.
According to Citizen Surveys, this is one percent lower than former President Zuma’s favourability when he resigned n February 2018.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane’s favourability has remained constant at 28% since 2018’s Q4.
ANC leaders decline
Other leaders also experienced declines in favourability, with the worst being African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Ace Magashule.
His popularity stood at just 11% in July, down from 16% in June this year.
Deputy President David Mabuza’s favourability also declined from 26% in June to 21% in July.
Reza Omar, Citizen Surveys’ strategic research director, said the declines in favourability among the ANC’s top leaders should worry the party.
Omar pointed to factional battles within the ANC as well as ongoing court cases with Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane as contributing factors.