Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) is conducting a trial of the country’s first digital population count.
Census 2021 is the first census to introduce digital platforms through the use of online and telephonic data collection platforms, which, Stats SA says, will also allow respondents to complete the census questionnaire on their own.
The Census 2021 trial began yesterday and will run until 6 September in selected areas around the country, to test online and telephonic data collection and prepare for remote data collection in the upcoming Census 2021.
Participating in the trial requires respondents to register through a platform that is available on Stats SA online and social media platforms. Respondents may also contact Stats SA via toll-free number 0800 110 248 for assistance.
Says Stats SA: “The telephonic data collection makes provision for respondents to participate in the census with the assistance of a Stats SA call centre agent.
“The increased use of cellphones and the current technology-driven digital era will minimise the challenge of reaching hard to access communities, thus allowing more people to participate in the census.
“A census provides small area data on demographics, socio-economic and living conditions of the population. It assists with forming the basis for active community participation in reviewing access to public services, among other issues. Data collected through a census is used by government and different sectors of society for policy-formulation, decision-making and planning.”
The agency is mandated by the Statistics Act No 6 of 1999 to collect data for statistical purposes and conduct a census.
“The Act makes it mandatory for respondents to provide data when required. Data collected by Stats SA is only used for statistical purposes and may not be shared with the state or any organs of the state and it remains confidential,” says Stats SA.
As part of its quality assessment, Stats SA conducts an independent Post-Enumeration Survey (PES).
“The PES 2021 trial will be conducted immediately after the completion of Census 2021 trial data collection, and the survey is used to evaluate the quality of the Census 2021 trial data.”
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