Optimism about the country and its future dropped to a new low of 49 percent in June, its lowest since 2004, a survey released on Monday shows.

The survey of 2000 people found that whilst blacks were generally the most positive, this quarter their figure also showed its largest drop since 2004, from 73 percent to 63 percent, TNS Research Surveys found.

Whilst whites generally had figures around the mid-40s, only 21 percent of them were optimistic in June.

The figures for coloureds were also at an all time low at 32 percent, with the Indian/Asian figures reaching a new low of 34 percent.

Researchers asked the question: "I feel positive about South Africa and its future". They found that in June 2008, optimism was highest in Johannesburg (excluding Soweto) and Bloemfontein with 69 percent and 63 percent of people answering in the affirmative in these places respectively, and lowest in Cape Town at 35 percent.

Unemployed people more optimistic

Unemployed people were more optimistic than others, the research found.

Neil Higgs, director of innovation and development, explained that optimism surveys were important for policy and decision makers.

They reflect on the "baggage" brought into buying decisions, holiday planning and decisions to emigrate.

"When you are down you will probably have more chocolate, but you're not going to go looking for new furniture," he said.

Younger people between 18 to 24 were more positive (57 percent) than those aged 50 to 59 (44 percent) and those aged 60 years and older, 34 percent.

Higgs said these findings came against a "background of increasing concern" about the economy, high food and fuel price increases and the associated protests, rising interest rates, xenophobic violence, Zimbabwe, power shortages and climate change.

People are tired, cross, anxious

He also cited the current affairs developments like the John Hlophe and Constitutional Court case and the court case involving national police commissioner Jackie Selebi.

Higgs said the high drop, particular among black respondents was significant.

"People are tired, cross, anxious and it will impact on policy decisions," he said.

He said there had never been a greater need for "visible, unified and decisive leadership".

"...but, after the ANC conference in Polokwane and the uncertainty arising as a result, and with the ANC NEC apparently issuing what amounts to directives to President (Thabo) Mbeki, this seems to be an elusive goal.

"Hence, it falls to leaders in other parts of the socio-political spectrum to step forward to avoid a spiralling descent into pessimism."

The margin of error was 2.5 percent.

Sapa