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New polling* from The Common Sense and the Social Research Foundation shows that most voters think China does more for South Africa’s economy than the United States (US). Voters were asked whether they agreed that China contributes more investment and jobs to the South African economy than the US does. In October 2026, of all voters, 66% agreed and 21% disagreed. Among black voters, 64% agreed and 20% disagreed. Among coloured voters, 71% agreed, and among white voters, 65% agreed. The chart below shows how voters, and each population group, answered.

*The figures come from the Social Research Foundation's October 2026 Market Survey, conducted in conjunction with The Common Sense, a national telephone poll of 3 100 registered voters between 18 September and 12 October 2026, with results weighted to the registered voter population. The survey has a design effect of 3.3044.