Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Roughly 98% of News24 users who used a tool hosted by News24 say they are "extremely concerned" about the levels of corruption in the country.
More than 7 100 respondents used the tool developed by OpenUp, and hosted on News24, to email an MP ahead of the pending motion of no confidence vote in President Jacob Zuma.
- Read more: 98% of users in News24 survey asked MPs to support motion of no confidence in Zuma
For one of the questions, an overwhelming 7 038 of the 7 186 people said they were "extremely concerned" about corruption in South Africa, equating to roughly 98% of respondents.
A further 114 respondents (or 1.5%) said they were "very concerned", while only 34 respondents (0.5%) said they were either moderately, slightly or not concerned.
News24 also requested secondary feedback from those users who were willing to let News24 describe their experience.
Of the 41 users who consented, only three said they had received responses to their emails from the MPs. Two of those were members of the Democratic Alliance, while the third was a Freedom Front Plus MP.
20% believe their email made a difference
DA MP James Selfe told user Tony Hoare that he fully intended supporting the motion of no confidence in Zuma. DA MP Hendrik Schmidt told another user that they always tried to keep the ANC government accountable.
The contents of the Freedom Front Plus MP's response were not shared by the user.
Of those who provided secondary feedback to News24, only 20% felt their email had made a difference.
Some remained positive and felt their emails could have an impact, at least in terms of getting across a message.
"It is our duty as concerned citizens to express our concerns - 'evil prospers when good men do nothing'," said Hoare.
"Also, it is encouraging for our elected representatives to know that we are all 'on the same page' and that they have our full support."
Another user felt that an acknowledgement of his email would mean he actually had a small say in the affairs of the country, but unfortunately he was left wanting.
"If they responded, I feel that I could make a difference," said Peter Milner.
'I hope their consciences were pricked'
Other users felt less optimistic.
"I am not convinced that anyone cares," said Esmarie.
"I don't think it made a difference as I had no reply at all. So it was a futile exercise," another user named Rita said.
One user, though, felt citizens could still make their voices heard: "One would hope that their [MPs'] consciences have nonetheless been pricked," said Michael.
"My personal view is that South Africans should march to Parliament in their hundreds of thousands on August 8 to demonstrate their objection to what is happening in our country."
The motion of no confidence is scheduled for August 8.
Speaker of Parliament Baleka Mbete is still due to announce whether the vote will be conducted by a secret ballot for the first time or not.
- Email Baleka Mbete on whether you think the motion of no confidence should be a secret ballot
