A recent poll shows that eight out of ten South Africans consider freedom of expression personally important, reflecting robust national support for open debate. A Social Research Foundation (SRF) survey reports that 83% of black respondents and 90% of white respondents affirm strong speech rights, with majorities across all provinces. Respondents said open debate helps expose corruption, encourages innovation, and allows South Africa’s cultural diversity to flourish.

The commitment to free expression holds even among those who support some hate-speech restrictions, suggesting that most South Africans believe dignity can be protected while keeping public discourse open. The poll also found that proposed limits on speech, such as stricter controls on social media or the press, would erode trust in Parliament by 19.0%.

South Africans widely recognise that freedom of expression protects the vulnerable, rather than simply serving the powerful. Any move to dilute this right risks entrenching unaccountable elites and limiting the free exchange of ideas that drives social and economic progress. The message from citizens is clear: government must defend the right to speak, critique, satirise, and persuade.

Viewed through the lens of democratic accountability, support for speech rights remains foundational to South African society. From a legal perspective, the polling underscores the ongoing mandate to protect robust and open debate.