Policy Preferences for a Future Coalition Government - Federalism, Taxes and Energy
This report investigates support amongst registered voters towards policy positions on federalism, taxes and energy. It is the fourth of four reports that examine support amongst registered South African voters towards various policy reforms that could be pursued by a future coalition government. The report is based on a survey of 1 835 demographically and geographically representative registered voters conducted by the Foundation during April of 2024. That survey had a margin of error of 2.2%. The way in which support or opposition to potential policies was tested was by putting a series of statements about opposing policies to survey respondents. The respondents were asked to say which of the opposing statements they agreed with and how strongly they agreed or disagreed.
With which of the following two statements do you agree: 'A future coalition government strengthens provinces and municipalities, so that they can take over more services where the central government has failed.' OR 'A future coalition government abolishes all the provinces and municipalities, so that all services are provided by the central government operating out of Pretoria.'
First statement vs second statement
With which of the following two statements do you agree: 'A future coalition government reduces tax rates and instead focuses on creating an environment where large and small businesses can more easily invest and create jobs.' OR 'A future coalition government increases taxes on South Africans so that it can increase the money available for the government to spend on service delivery.'
First statement vs second statement
With which of the following two statements do you agree: 'A future coalition government pursues an energy policy that provides cheap and reliable energy regardless of whether it comes from coal, wind, solar, or nuclear power stations.' OR 'A future coalition government pursues a green energy agenda that opposes the building or continued operation of coal fired power stations.'
First statement vs second statement
TENTATIVE CONCLUSIONS
The data suggests that any post-May 29 South African government would win considerable public support for policies that devolved state authority downwards into communities, reduced taxes and pursued pragmatic energy policy interventions. Public opinion should therefore be read as an enabler of longer term reform and not as a hindrance.
