We all have individual stresses, including work, just how far you can stretch that paycheck to accommodate the ever-increasing price of fuel or what to make for supper tonight. A recent survey by Ipos has collated data that shows exactly what South Africa is most worried about as a collective, and it is no surprise that concerns about crime are at the very top.

These findings are based on 20 787 interviews that were conducted between 24 August 2018 and 7 September 2018, among adults across 64 countries.

The survey found that many people around the world worry about five main things, and these are:

financial/political corruption – 34%

unemployment – 33%

poverty/social inequality – 33%

crime and violence – 31%

healthcare – 24%

South Africa follows international trends for the most part, but it should be noted that 62% of locals their thought about crime and violence, which is double the global average. Worrying about education consumes 21% of the thoughts of locals, whilst healthcare concerns consume 12%.

As with previous years, China is at the forefront of confidence in national direction. Saudi Arabia stands firm at second place, and India follows in third.

32% of South Africans spend their time worrying about poverty and social inequality (Source: Ipos)

South African, French, Brazilian, Spanish, and Peruvian citizens show the gravest concern about the direction taken by their countries.

Only 12% of Brazilians think their country is going in the right direction, while 19% of Spaniards and South Africans share these sentiments. Approximately 24% of French citizens believe their country is on the wrong track.

South Africa also experienced a drop in national optimism, as it has dropped by 7% since the last survey. South Africans are also less concerned about access to credit (1%), climate change (1%), childhood obesity (1%), and terrorism (2%).

Picture: Pixabay

Article written by

Lucinda is a hard news writer who occasionally dabbles in lifestyle writing, and recent journalism graduate. She is a proud intersectional feminist, and is passionate about actively creating a world which is free of discrimination and inequality.