Have South Africans been happier since the elections? Report reveals yes!
Since the announcement of the election results, happiness levels in SA have shown a steady increase, rising from 5.36 to 5.42 on the index, which ranges from 0 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy).
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Andrew Moore
Thabo Shole-Mashao interviews Talita Greyling, Professor in the School of Economics at the University of Johannesburg.
Listen below.
President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of the new GNU Cabinet on 30 June has been met with widespread positivity among the South African populace, as indicated by the near real-time Happiness Index of the GNH.
Since the announcement of the election results, happiness levels in South Africa have shown a steady increase, rising from 5.36 to 5.42 on the index, which ranges from 0 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy).
Surprisingly, the formation of the GNU has played a crucial role in this positive trend, ensuring broad representation and a robust mandate to govern the country.
This has fostered greater transparency, accountability, and trust in the government.
A detailed analysis of the happiness index reveals a notable increase in the use of positive emotion words such as "hope," "happiness," and "joy" among South Africans.
Furthermore, the heightened happiness in South Africa is mirrored by a strengthened Rand, reflecting increased international confidence in the country's future.
"We have to measure happiness because happiness is the measure of the quality of life of the people in South Africa."
- Talita Greyling, Professor in the School of Economics – University of Johannesburg
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