Race Relations in South Africa – Reasons for Hope

The Race Relations in South Africa – Reasons for Hope report has found that race relations in South Africa are in a good state. The report was based on a field survey commissioned by the IRR.

The results should fill all South Africans with hope. The acrimonious race debate that has raged in newspapers and on social media this year is not a reflection of what the silent majority of South Africans feel. The great majority of South Africa’s people respect each other and want to continue getting on well with each other. This is remarkable considering the poverty and unemployment levels that still confront our society. It is testimony to the commitment of the majority of South Africans to see our democracy succeed. That relations remain sound is not a reason for complacency, however, and sound future relations will depend on continuing real improvements in the living standards of all South Africans.

The report was released in Johannesburg on Monday, 29 February 2016.