Update on phase 2 of release of Census 2022 data
1. Census 2022 10% Sample
The Census 2022 10% Sample is among many Census products disseminated to the public in the second dissemination phase. Census 2022 micro-data were sampled from the latest census to cater to the data needs of academia, research institutions, NGOs, planners, and policymakers, as has been the practice for the last three censuses.
2. Census 2022 10% Sample release date
The Census 2022 10% Sample data will be released at the end of August 2024.
3. Variables/themes excluded due to reporting or coverage bias
As part of our regular quality assessment processes, Stats SA conducts assessments to determine the data quality relating to some of the themes and variables for Census 2022. This is done also following the advice of the South African Statistics Council, as outlined in the Council’s statement on Census 2022. The following variables are excluded:
Income: The income variable is one of the most sensitive questions asked in a census. The Census 2022 data quality evaluation showed reporting-related biases due to the high occurrence of unspecified responses, and the variable has thus been excluded.
Note: Income estimates will be availed from the Income and Expenditure Survey 2022/23, the results of which will be released in November 2024.
Water interruptions longer than two consecutive days: The estimates derived from the question were unreliable due to poor responses, hence this variable is excluded. The General Household Survey continues to provide information on water interruptions.
Labour module: Following extensive analysis of labour data, it has been decided that the labour module data from the Census 2022 will not be released to the public, as the estimates were characterised by reporting and coverage biases. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey continues to provide official labour-related estimates.
Demography themes: A data evaluation exercise on the two demography themes, Mortality and Fertility, showed that estimates were characterised by reporting and coverage biases, so these themes have been excluded. Further data confrontation will be conducted after the 2022 mortality and cause of death data is released.
Agricultural households: Tabulations on basic indicators will be generated and published separately at the local municipality level.
4. Census 2022 products released to-date
- How the Count was done
- Census 2022 Statistical report
- Provinces at a glance
- Municipal Fact Sheet,
- Nine Provincial profiles and
- Agricultural households.
For access to published Census 2022 reports, use this link: https://census.statssa.gov.za/#/
5. Phase 2 Census 2022 products
During this financial year (2024/25), the following products will be developed and published:
- Census in Brief – August 2024 (released)
- 10% Sample – August 2024
Thematic reports:
- Housing and Service delivery – November 2024
- Agricultural households at municipal level – March 2025
- Homelessness in South Africa – February 2025
- Census 2022 Population, Age and Sex structure – March 2025
- Cultural dynamics in South Africa – March 2025.
Electronic data products
- Digital Atlas – March 2025
- Magisterial districts – December 2024
- Health districts – December 2024
- Policing districts- December 2024
- South African traditional areas profile – March 2025
- Small area Census 2022 dissemination
After conducting a thorough quality assessment of sub-municipal census data, it has been determined that Census 2022 results will be made available at electoral ward level. In keeping with the section 17 of the Statistics Act (Act 6 of 1999), which guarantees the confidentiality of individual data, data for some wards with lower case counts will not be made available to prevent the risk of individuals being identified. Where necessary, data are intentionally suppressed to avert the direct or residual disclosure of identifiable units. It is important to highlight that this protocol has been consistently followed in previous Censuses and surveys.
The electoral ward-level data will be accessible on the electronic dissemination tools in September 2024 (SuperWeb and Nesstar).
For technical enquiries, contact Angela Ngyende (AngelaN@statssa.gov.za) or Diego Iturralde (DiegoI@statssa.gov.za)