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About four in five young South Africans feel the money spent on President Jacob Zuma’s private home can be put to better use, according to a survey released on Monday.

“The vast majority (84 percent) thought the money should rather be put towards solving major problems in South Africa,” said consumer insights company Pondering Panda, which did the study.

“Six percent felt that as the president, Zuma knew best what to do with taxpayers’ money,” researchers said.  

Another 5% felt that as president, Zuma deserved a better home and a further 5% could not decide.

Pondering Panda questioned 3,477 young South Africans between the ages of 15 and 34.

On Friday, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi said the upgrades at Zuma’s residences were similar to those of former presidents. He declined to disclose how much money had been spent on the security and other constructions at Zuma’s Nkandla homestead in KwaZulu-Natal.

So far, high security fences had been erected, roads in the area had been upgraded and local fire fighting services had been developed for the helipads.

Reports have estimated the cost of the work to be between R203 million and R238 million.

According to the survey, a higher proportion of women (88 percent) felt the money should be spent on solving problems in the country compared to 80% of men.

About 53% of the respondents were aware of the cost to taxpayers for the Nkandla improvements.

Fifty-nine percent of 25-34 year olds were aware of Zuma’s plans, compared to 49% of 18 to 24 year olds and 46 percent of 15-17 year olds.

Based on the results, Butch Rice of Pondering Panda said: “An overwhelming majority of young South Africans feel that the expenditure of taxpayer’s money on Zuma’s house is wrong”. 

“This is the worst possible time for unwarranted expenses to be incurred. Coming at a time of widespread labour unrest, it will magnify the negative perception that many young South Africans have of our country, and the way it is governed,” he said.

Rice said Zuma had little support amongst the youth and the Nkandla upgrades were likely to further diminish the support that remained.

“It can only have negative consequences for the ANC,” he said.

Comments

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Thu May 23 11:45:07 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 8, 2012

MmaSeshego

That's ot secret anymore and i still say, use the money towards etoll at least
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Oct 8, 2012

Kabelo10

'Six percent felt that as the president, Zuma knew best what to do with taxpayers’ money,” researchers said.
==================
Oh for real? I'm Sure they from KZN like DJ WINNER.
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Oct 8, 2012

MommaC

'Zuma doesn't use our money appropriately'

So what was your first clue, Dr Obvious?
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Oct 8, 2012

cornelius

JZ should do the honourable thing and stick to his " one term" promise/statement. Let the transition be smooth and stable. Even though I would prefer the ANC to lose votes, whci they are doing as matters stand now - this country cannot afford the instability that is going on now.
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Oct 8, 2012

RobinH

Interesting stats and very encouraging indeed. One can only hope that this arrogant womaniser pays attention, but I'm not holding my breath.
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Oct 8, 2012

nickster2

South Africa, The land of many outrages.

Behold your Anc at it`s finest.
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Oct 8, 2012

RobinH

MommaC: Sure it is obvious to most, but a survey like this goes a long way toward putting a damper on his oh-so vocally blind supporters, on this site and elsewhere. Therefore I find it valuable. What is obvious to those with even the slightest intelligence, is often Greek to a lot of people.
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Oct 8, 2012

malemaforpresident

Anything good about the Spear?
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Oct 8, 2012

RobinH

malema4prez : NO. Very seldom if ever.
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Oct 8, 2012

Tlakenyobehle!

watch the space another wedding shortly after mangaung in December 28 cows will be slaughtered
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