Stats SA has commenced with its fourth census. The census will be conducted until 7 March.
According to Stats SA, the data collected during a census is used for planning, policy formulation and evidence-based decision-making.
The results of a census are also the basis for budget allocations across local, provincial and national government. They also provide municipalities with small area data for use in their Integrated Development Plans.
Three methods will be use to collect census data, namely face-to-face interviews – Computer Assisted Personal interviews; online – Computer Assisted Web Interviews; and telephonically – Computer Assisted Telephonic Interviews.
“Section 3 of the POPIA provides that the POPIA may not be interpreted in a manner that prevents any public or private body from exercising its powers and duties in terms of the law, in so far as that law relates to the processing of personal information. This means that you may not refuse to participate in the census by relying on the POPIA as this will prevent Stats SA from exercising its powers and duties in terms of the Statistics Act, and you will be contravening Section 16(2) of the Statistics Act,” states Stats SA.
Citizens must register and select the method they prefer to fill the Census questionnaire. Option two or three are recommended for use.
Stats SA encourages citizens to register their households/institutions. Registration at www.getcounted.statssa.gov.za. The registration platform is data free, so you will not be charged for accessing it. For further assistance with registration contact the call centre on 0800 110 248 (Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 19:00, Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, and Sunday from 09:00 to 15:00).
Justine Fortuin
