Johannesburg - The optimism of South African youth for the country's future is waning, according to the results of a survey released by Pondering Panda on Wednesday.
"Youth optimism is hanging on by a thread," spokesperson Butch Rice said in a statement.
The findings of the survey, of 9 727 respondents aged 15 to 34, indicated a 3% decline in positivity when compared with responses gathered in July. A slim majority of 51% felt that South Africa would be a better place to live in in 10 years.
"In the wake of the Marikana miners' strike, labour unrest and government inaction, South Africa's youth are losing hope in the future of this country."
Men were more likely to feel optimistic about the country's future, at 55%, compared to 47% of women.
There were also significant differences in the responses of the various racial groups.
Fifty-eight percent of black respondents feel the country will be a better place in a decade, while only 42% of coloureds and a third of whites feel that way.
Indians were the least likely to feel hopeful, with just over a quarter feeling optimistic about their future.
"This should be of serious concern to the government, as it implies that many young people may be looking for a future outside South Africa," Rice said.
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