The survey was conducted in September 2000. The public is becoming more empowered and is able to distinguish the wood from the trees. Public relations without substance will not stand the test of voter sophistication, especially in the forthcoming local government elections. It is significant that in spite of declining trust in all institutions, the Independent Electoral Commission has come to command great trust levels. Proportionally more people distrust than provincial and local government and political parties.
Churches elicit the most trust, signifying greater credibility for churches.
Voters obviously perceive key national and civil society institutions to have let them down. Nothing short of substantive and meaningful improvement in the material well being of ordinary South Africans will overturn this tide of distrust and scepticism. The forthcoming elections will be an important barometer of the maturation of South Africa's democracy under President Thabo Mbeki.