JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The popularity of South African President Jacob Zuma increased in his first months of office, with his rating from minority white voters more than doubling, a survey showed on Friday.

On a scale from zero to 10, Ipsos Markinor pollsters said Zuma's ranking jumped from 6.1 to 7.6. The survey of 3,500 South Africans was carried out between October and November.

"Although his rating among black people also increased, the increase among minority groups is the most notable," said the pollsters.

The greatest shifts were among minority Indian, mixed race and white voters, with the latter rising from just 2.3 to 5.4 points.

Black South Africans, who make up some 80 percent of the population, gave Zuma a rate of 8.2. The ruling ANC marks its 98thanniversary on Friday with Zuma to address a rally in Kimberley on Saturday.