IRR's poll suggests DA's might over ANC amid imminent VAT increase debacle
For the first time in its polling, the IRR puts the DA’s support at 30.3%, with the ANC just lagging behind at 29.7%.
Democratic Alliance (DA) flag. Picture: X/@DA_Gauteng
CAPE TOWN - A new opinion poll by the Institute of Race Relations (IRR) suggests that since the budget impasse, the Democratic Alliance (DA)'s support has grown just beyond that of the African National Congress (ANC) largely owing to a decision to challenge the impending value-added tax (VAT) increase.
The IRR’s poll also indicates that the DA’s support among black registered voters has more than tripled since the Government of National Unity (GNU) was formed.
The institute says its latest data indicates that the country, even if only briefly, is starting to move beyond identity politics, to bread and butter issues.
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The IRR polled 807 participants between 27 March 2025 and 3 April 2025.
After initially gaining some goodwill in polling after the formation of the GNU, the IRR says the ANC has slipped again due to the VAT debacle.
For the first time in its polling, the IRR puts the DA’s support at 30.3%, with the ANC just lagging behind at 29.7%.
The institute’s Hermann Pretorius says the timing of the poll, which coincided with the budget tabling and the dissent over the VAT hike, indicates a momentary shift from race-based politics.
"This realignment of politics is likely not yet entrenched, and is likely a result of this very specific moment in time."
The IRR’s research further suggests that the DA’s support among black voters is up from 5% at election time last year, to 18% at present.
"Again, this is clear that we are seeing a shift based on socio-economic judgments, not racial identity politics, and as a South African who believes in non-racialism, that is incredibly positive."
A recent poll from the Brenthurst Foundation showed the majority of South Africans support a GNU while another survey by the Social Research Foundation found that if President Cyril Ramaphosa was removed from office, the ANC’s support would decline in favour of the DA.