What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to understand how economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic affected political trust in South Africa.

May 24, 2026Open Access

COVID-19 and contentment: how the pandemic shaped South Africans’ finances and their trust in the government

Key Points

This research aims to understand how economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic affected political trust in South Africa.
Utilized national survey data from HSRC to assess financial conditions and political trust
Analyzed the relationship between reported financial insecurity and trust in government
Job losses and income disruptions are linked to decreased political trust
Increased financial insecurity led to significant declines in trust in government among South Africans

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic delivered a severe economic shock to South Africa, triggering widespread job losses, income disruption and heightened financial insecurity for millions of households. Drawing on HSRC national survey data, researchers explored how feeling economically worse off during the late stages of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced political trust in South Africa at the time.

COVID-19 and contentment: how the pandemic shaped South Africans’ finances and their trust in the government

Key Points

Abstract

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