Telkom, in partnership with the Inclusive Society Institute (ISI) and Constructor University Bremen, announces the launch of the 2024 South African Social Cohesion Index (SASCI) research findings.

This landmark research comes at a time when South Africa faces significant economic challenges, including low growth, rising unemployment, and high inequality. These issues require all stakeholders to work together toward achieving a high-growth trajectory.

The research, which will be unveiled on Wednesday, 5 February 2025, in Cape Town, evaluates nine key dimensions of social cohesion. Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the keynote address.

The 2024 research reveals encouraging signs of improvement, with the overall social cohesion index rising to 53.3 points from 51.7 in 2023. This increase halted the previous downward trend that had taken South Africa to the brink of being concerningly weak in social cohesion. All nine dimensions of social cohesion showed improvement from 2023 to 2024.

Several surprising findings challenge conventional wisdom about social cohesion. Unlike patterns observed in other countries, South Africa's wealthier provinces show lower social-cohesion levels. Rural areas demonstrate stronger cohesion than urban centres. The research also reveals that racial and linguistic diversity contribute positively to social cohesion.

Provincial variations remain significant, with Limpopo leading in social cohesion with 56.5 points and KwaZulu-Natal recording the lowest score at 49.6.

Notably, identification with pride in being South African was the highest scoring dimension with 72.2 points, while respect for social rules (36.6) and perception of fairness (42.7) remain areas requiring attention.

The timing of this research is particularly significant as South Africa prepares for the National Dialogue initiative. Data from other ISI research, the GovDem Survey, shows that more than two-thirds of South Africans want a united South Africa. However, there exists a gap between this shared vision and citizens’ trust in institutions to deliver on it.

This mismatch between national aspiration and belief in achievability was a key motivation for developing the Social Cohesion Index.

“For some time, Telkom has been reflecting deeply on its role as a responsible corporate citizen and what unique contribution we could make to help stimulate growth,” said Serame Taukobong, Group CEO of Telkom.

“We've recognised that an often-neglected aspect of economic planning is the societal foundation in which the economy needs to function. What South Africa needs now is hope for the future and stability in society – and at the core of this is a high degree of social cohesion.”

“The research shows that in dimensions like national identification and the overall improvement in the index, we have a solid foundation for building a more cohesive society. This aligns with Telkom's mission to serve as the backbone of South Africa's digital future. As part of this commitment, Telkom pledges to partner with government and broader society in working toward a high-growth trajectory,” said Taukobong.

“The research was motivated by declining levels of social cohesion in South Africa. The euphoria of the Mandela era has been chipped away through state capture and a growing lack of trust in state institutions,” said Daryl Swanepoel, the Chief Executive Officer of the Inclusive Society Institute.

“Whilst the decline in the overall level in social cohesion in the country seems to have been arrested, there are some indicators, such as the trust in institutions and respect for social rules, which are extremely worrying” he said.

“Unfortunately, social cohesion comes as a package: If certain elements of social cohesion collapse, it will have a negative impact on the positive elements as well. The report clearly indicates which areas need the attention of our policymakers”.

“Our research is clear: South Africans want a united and inclusive South Africa and that dream is achievable. As a country we simply need to get the basics right” he said.

Deputy President Mashatile said: “The research is appreciated as it highlights the fact that social cohesion is dependent on our society's ability to address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. “

“Moreover, social cohesion is critical because it represents the level of social integration and inclusion within communities and society, as well as the extent to which individuals and groups demonstrate mutual solidarity, all of which must compel us to work more towards achieving our goal of a socially cohesive South Africa.”

The launch event will provide stakeholders and media with detailed insights into the research findings and their implications for policy development and social-cohesion initiatives.

Event details:

Date: Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Time: 16:30

Venue: Villa Calatrava, 35 Canterbury Drive, Bishopscourt, Cape Town

Media queries:

Mooketsi Mocumi

Telkom@telkom.co.za and mocumism@telkom.co.za

081 425 0044