Media Release                                                                           

02 February 2022

South Africa’s nationwide digital population counts kicks off on Census Night

The country’s digital population count kicks off this Census Night of 2 February 2022, as Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) counts the homeless, transients, special dwelling institutions (SDIs), hotels and populations in communal living structures in the country. This is the first leg of the month long population count, to be followed by fieldworker visits to households from tomorrow, 3 February to collect census data.

The census night activities will be conducted nationwide where fieldworkers will interview the homeless, transients and collect administrative data from collective living quarters.

“Census 2022 comes at a time when the world is reeling from the aftermath of COVID-19, which makes the need for statistical data on our population and their living conditions more urgent than ever. This will assist in advancing our efforts towards improving the lives of our people”, said Deputy Minister in Presidency, Ms Thembi Siweya.

Census 2022 introduces remote data collection methods, which can either be online or by telephone; these platforms add to the traditional method of face-to-face data collection that will still be the main mode of data collection. Households are required to register by 05 February to select the remote data collection option. Fieldworkers will visit households that did not register and those that register but don’t complete the census questionnaire. Households should register on https://getcounted.stassa.gov.za. The platforms for registration and for completing the census questionnaire are data free.

As Census 2022 fieldworkers navigate to households across the country to collect data, they can be identified through the official Stats SA Identification Card displaying the Stats SA logo, the photograph of the Fieldworker, and a unique number of the Fieldworker. Respondents can also contact the Census toll-free number (0800 110 248) to verify the authenticity of fieldworkers, or go to the Stats SA website and click on the “Field Staff” tab. COVID-19 protocols will be observed by fieldworkers during their visits

Respondents who select to be interviewed telephonically will be supplied with the details of the interviewers assigned to their respective areas, prior to the date of the interview. The interviewer’s identity is also available on the Stats SA website on the Field Staff page.

“This is indeed a momentous occasion as we finally set off to count the nation following protracted planning that started three years ago. What is unique about Census 2022 is our deliberate use of technology in our operations, planning processes and also our multi- modal approach to data collection,” said Statistician-General, Mr Risenga Maluleke.”

Section 16 of the Statistics Act (Act No. 6 of 1999) makes it compulsory for respondents to participate in a Census and cooperate with Stats SA fieldworkers by responding to the census questionnaire. Although Stats SA advocates for continued cooperation and engagement, the Act also make provision for penalties to be levied against those who refuse to provide data for statistical purposes. The Information Regulator has confirmed that the data collection activities of Stats SA including Census 2022 are compliant with the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act No.04 of 2013 (POPIA).

Census remains the only survey that provides data at local level and is used by all sectors of society for planning and evidence-based decision-making. Local government relies on census data for their IDP planning and for municipal demarcation. Business and academia use census data to identify business prospects and for research studies respectively. As such, respondents should provide accurate data when responding to questions to ensure that the census produces quality data.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Ends…..

Issued by Statistics South Africa

For media enquiries contact:

Ms. Lesedi Dibakwane, Cell: 082 805 7088, Email: lesedid@statssa.gov.za