Why Ipsos polls shows increased support for ANC

8 January 2019 7:53 AM

There have been various surveys conducted to predict what the South African general election outcome will be in 2019.

Last year, a survey conducted by Citizens' Surveys found that the African National Congress (ANC) was leading the pack with 53% followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 22%.

However, over the weekend market research company, Ipsos conducted a survey among 3,571 South Africans found that 61% of voters will vote for the ruling party, 14% will vote for the DA and 9% will vote for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

READ:ANC electoral support up slightly as support for DA and EFF drop - IRR poll

What makes these surveys different?

Speaking to Bruce Whitfield, standing in for Bongani Bingwa, University of Stellenbosch's Professor Amanda Gouws says the Ipsos sample was bigger than the other survey.

In order to understand the differences between these various surveys, one needs to question whether there was a margin of error between the surveys or whether the support for the ruling party increased, she explains.

If we look at what happened towards the end of last year, maybe the people who have decided not to vote for the DA have looked at the changes that Ramaphosa has brought about and have said maybe they should go back to the ANC.
— Professor Amanda Gouws, University of Stellenbosch

She adds that another increase in the support could be the Ramaphosa euphoria that has turned the undecided voter to change their minds and vote for the ANC.

Listen below to the full interview:

Written by: Matshepo Sehloho