IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

MEDIA ADVISORY

22 April 2016

Contact: Lesedi Dibakwane

Cell: 0828057088

Email: lesedid@statssa.gov.za

Deputy Minister Manamela and Statistician-General briefs the media on challenges experienced with the Community Survey

On Monday, 7 March 2016, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) began data collection for its Community Survey 2016 across the country. Data collection has been satisfactory in all provinces, with the exception of Gauteng and Western Cape. Stats SA fieldworkers have experienced crime, rejections and intimidation in some areas.

Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, together with South Africa’s Statistician-General Dr Pali Lehohla, will brief the media on criminal incidents (such as robbery, assault, theft) and refusals experienced by Stats SA fieldworkers in high-walled communities and corrective measures to be implemented to address challenges experienced. An update on the progress will also be provided.

In terms of the Statistics Act, people who refused to be counted can face a fine of R10 000 or six months in jail, or a combination of both.

The details are as follows:

When: Saturday, 23 April 2016

Time: 09H00

Where: Indaba Hotel, Spa and Conference Centre, William Nicol Drive & Pieter Wenning Road, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2021, South Africa

A walkabout to two fieldwork units will also be conducted to allow members of the media an opportunity to interact with respondents, and find out why some of them are not participating in the survey.

For further info and to RSVP contact:

Felicia Sithole

Cell: 076 430 0693

Tel: 012 339 2401

Email: FeliciaS@statssa.gov.za