STATS SA - Improving lives through data ecosystems

THE LARGEST MOBILISATION OF A COUNTRY

DURING PEACE TIMES, DURING DIGITAL TIMES

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), being at the forefront of producing official data, has conducted 3 population counts since the dawn of democracy. The three censuses conducted in 1996, 2001 and 2011 provided lessons to be learnt as well as a foundation for planning, but never a predictor of challenges to be encountered in the subsequent population counts. Conducting a census is a massive undertaking for any statistical organisation the world over, and is thus characterised by rigorous testing to ensure that the entire population in a country is counted.

In preparation for the 2020 round of population and housing censuses, Stats SA conducted the New Methodologies Test in 2018, where new modes of data collection were tested in select settlements. In 2019, the first phase of the Census 2021 Mini-Test was conducted and the second phase was conducted in early 2020. During the Census 2021 Mini-Test, a multimodal approach to data collection was tested, namely: Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI): Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI); and ComputerAssisted Telephonic Interview (CATI). The Census 2021 Trial was conducted in the latter part of 2020 and the approach to CAWI and CATI modes were revisited to identify gaps and realign systems to be ready for remote census taking where required.

COVID-19 has impacted on census planning across the world, and South Africa is no exception. The pandemic has affected countries globally and many countries have either delayed some census activities or postponed it. The census deploys massive human resources in the form of fieldworkers who update the geography frame, conduct publicity to mobilise communities and collect data. Establishing an accurate geography frame is essential for supporting a variety of census operations, including setting enumerator assignments, ensuring completeness of coverage, estimating travel time and costs, and establishing field offices. Updating the geography frame was largely impacted by the pandemic, hence the registration of housing structures online remains open; however, this process still requires fieldwork that involves engaging the public on site. To minimise the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus among Stats SA field workers and respondents, these census activities as well as enumeration for the Pilot Census had to be put on hold and resumed in line with the country’s alert levels at the time.

The Pilot Census was recently conducted and all modes of data collection were used as a dress rehearsal for the main population count scheduled for next year. The traditional pen and paper method of data collection was replaced with the use of tablets to collect data, which brings much-needed benefits such as enabling fieldworkers to dynamically navigate to their allocated areas of work (enumeration areas) using the maps that are loaded on the digital devices as well as to monitor progress. The data collected will be captured in real-time so that the turnaround time in releasing the results will be greatly minimised.

The upcoming population count is the first to introduce digital census taking through the use of online and telephonic data collection platforms, which will also allow respondents to complete the census questionnaire on their own. The telephonic data collection method makes provision for respondents to participate in the census with the assistance of Stats SA call centre agents. 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. The three methods of census taking offers the avenue for everyone in the country to complete the census questionnaire to ensure that no one is left behind in the count. An estimated 165 000 fieldworkers will be required for census fieldwork and will be recruited using the Stats SA Online Database (www.statssa.gov. za/hr), where prospective fieldworkers need to register. The system uses geolocation to ensure that fieldworkers are recruited from within their areas of residence.

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has appointed a Census National Advisory Committee (NAC), which will serve as an oversight body to advise, coordinate and oversee delivery of the country’s decennial population count. The Census NAC comprises stakeholders from various entities, government departments and organisations who will bring on board multi-sector expertise and influence to ensure that the upcoming census undertaking is effective and efficient. 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.

A Post-enumeration Survey (PES) is conducted immediately after census data collection. The PES is an independent survey that measures the accuracy and reach of the census. It helps to identify how many households were not counted and if data was captured correctly during the census. This assists with determining the quality of the data collected. The PES is a sample survey and only sampled households are visited during the Post-enumeration Survey.

Stats SA derives its mandate from the Statistics Act No. 6 of 1999 to collect data for statistical purposes and to 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.

Stats SA intends to conduct the next census in the latter part of 2022. A formal announcement will be made once the dates are finalised by the Statistician-General in consultation with Cabinet, and officially gazetted.

Contact details Website: www.statssa.gov.za Toll free number: 0800 110 248 Facebook: StatsSA Twitter: @statssa