Make sure you are counted

SOUTH Africans are urged to co-operate and be counted as the national population and housing census gets under way from February 3 to 28.

In a media briefing on Tuesday, stakeholders from the Department of Statistics outlined Statistics SA’s readiness to conduct the census.

Census 2022 is South Africa’s fourth population count post-democracy and the country’s first digital census. About 165 000 fieldworkers will be deployed to count people in the country.

Risenga Maluleke, the statistician-general, who is responsible for official and other statistics in South Africa, said there would be three methods to get counted.

He said fieldworkers would visit homes; there was a self or online method; or it could be done via a telephonic interview which would take about 10 minutes.

“This year, we have introduced the digital way where residents can register online and follow the steps to fill in their personal information. Census, which was conducted in 1996 and 2001, took two years for the results to be issued.

“In 2011, it took a year and we plan for the results to be released within a year as well. With the new digital platform for the first time, it will surely make the process of being counted easier and simple.

“Due to Covid and its challenges, the online method will enable residents to be counted from their computers or cellphones. However, fieldworkers will still be going around to capture answers of those who are not digitally savvy.”

All people living in South Africa were encouraged to get counted.

“We are encouraging everyone in South Africa, whether they are living legally or illegally, in formal or informal homes, to get counted as we will find you and you will be counted. We comply with the Popi Act and all information will be kept private. We have a magnificent history of data handling.”

Maluleke said fieldworkers would start by counting the homeless and then would follow up with hospitals on the number of children born.

Ian Assam, the deputy chairperson of the Statistics Council, said: “We are ready to secure a successful census. As a council, we are trying to adhere to principles to ensure that the initiative is run smoothly. We will work towards making sure that information regarding statistics is safeguarded.”

To register online, go to getcounted@statssa.gov.za