Hopewell Radebe, Chief Political Correspondent
3 February 2004
Johannesburg — NINE out of every 10 South Africans regard unemployment and the necessity to create jobs as the country's major challenge, according to the latest South African Broadcasting Corporation-Markinor survey.
Judging from the manifestoes of major political parties, which also give priority to job creation, the survey has identified and confirmed the main issues that will determine the agenda for general elections widely expected to be held in April.
Almost two-thirds of respondents in the survey, the findings of which were released at the weekend, were concerned about crime, followed by poverty and HIV/AIDS.
"This could be an early indicator of specific issues politicians could address in the run-up to the election," project manager Suzanne Broadley said.
The survey was conducted from October 21 to November 18 last year to measure possible voter behaviour and other critical election issues. Interviews were conducted face to face in the language of choice in the homes of 3500 participants.
Broadley said respondents were asked to respond to the question: "What are the most important issues or problems facing this country that government should address?". They could mention as many different issues as they wanted and answers were grouped and coded afterwards.
The survey indicated that more than half of South Africans wanted government to address unemployment urgently. This means that HIV/AIDS has been relegated to the third position, together with poverty.
The research has classified issues in order of priority, with unemployment and job creation getting 90%, crime 64%, poverty tied with HIV/AIDS at 48%, while health issues involving facilities such as hospitals and clinics received 22%.
Unlike in the past, participants rated corruption and perceptions of government officials not being honest in sixth position, while concerns about educational standards and equality in education came seventh.
Voters regarded infrastructure development in the form of construction of industrial areas with water, electricity and roads for communities as more important than land for the landless and the settling of land claims, which came in at ninth position.
Worries about a brain drain and the loss of skilled people was in 10th position, while housing got the 11th and last place.
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