A mobile survey conducted by information and consultancy group TNS on December 11 – following President Jacob Zuma’s axing of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene – has revealed that 70% of those polled were concerned that South Africa was heading for a social and economic collapse.

The results of the survey, which polled 900 South African adults, were consistent across race and province, it added.

Looking ahead, while 73% of black people and 59% of coloured people were confident that South Africa would overcome its current challenges, the sentiment was not shared by whites and Indians, with only 39% in agreement.