Public defence review 2020-2021: an examination of attitudes towards the South African National Defence Force

Abstract

The Attitudes towards the South African National Defence Force Survey is a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey, conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) as part of the South African Social Attitudes Survey (SASAS). The intention of this project is to determine general attitudes towards the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). More specifically, the project aimed to evaluate public levels of knowledge of the SANDF, to probe the expected role of the SANDF and to determine confidence and trust in the SANDF. The ultimate aim of the study was to determine the degree to which a national consensus exists on defence matters in the country, as the basis for further promoting knowledge and awareness of the Defence Force. Fieldwork for this SASAS round began in late February 2020 but was interrupted due to the announcement of the national lockdown by President Ramaphosa in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, which came into effect on 27 March 2020. At the time of survey suspension, approximately 40% of interviews had been completed (referred to as pre-COVID-19 interviewing). In November 2020 fieldwork resumed and was completed in February 2021 (referred to as postCOVID-19 interviewing).