Census counters get to work

IT has set out to count at least five million people in the municipal boundaries of Johannesburg in the 2011 Census, which began in earnest at 8am this morning, says Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).

The big count began at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in SowetoThe big count began at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in SowetoEnumerators began the three-week census at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, were babies were the first to be counted. The enumerators also visited Joburg’s largest transport hub, Park Station, the Methodist Church in the city centre and certain parts of downtown Hillbrow.

In the last census, more than a million households were counted in Joburg and a population of 3,2 million people was recorded. Every Joburger, including those living in informal settlements, formal households, institutions and itinerant people, will be counted this time around. It is the third national census since 1994.

Stats SA says the population count, which will run until 31 October, is the most complex ever in the country, and forms part of the 2010 round of African censuses. The aim is to gather comprehensive data for improved future planning.

About 156 000 Stats SA certified enumerators with identification cards that have a three-dimensional photograph are out and about conducting the count nationwide. They are sporting yellow Census T-shirts and bibs, and their credentials can be verified on the Census hotline on 0800 110 248.

Statistician-general Pali Lehohla says people will be asked if they have access to basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation. “Out of this arsenal of information we will know whether South Africa is making progress or not.”

The census consists of three questionnaires: one for households, one for institutions and one for people who are travellingThe census consists of three questionnaires: one for households, one for institutions and one for people who are travellingThe census will consist of three questionnaires – one for households, one for institutions and one for people who are travelling. Illegal immigrants and the homeless will also be counted.

Questionnaire
About 20 million Census questionnaires have been printed. Each is 14 pages long and has 75 questions; the interview to complete it should take no longer than 45 minutes per household. The questionnaire is available in all 11 official languages and in French and Portuguese.

Stats SA says the population count is significant in that it will provide a numerical profile of the country. The Statistics Act of 1999 guarantees strict confidentiality of all information collected.

It will also collect data on housing characteristics and services so that municipalities can improve the quality of services they render. This will allow the government to ensure evidence-based planning and equity in the distribution of services and the allocation of state incentives.

Lehohla has allayed security fears regarding the counters, and has asked the police to monitor Census vehicles and fieldworkers. “I would like to appeal to the police to monitor Census 2011 cars and to secure public confidence in the Census around issues of security.”

The four essential features of the census are:

Individual enumeration;
Universality within the agreed territorial boundaries;
Simultaneity: conducted at the same time for all persons; and
Defined periodicity.
Results of the South African Census are expected to be released in November 2013. For more information, telephone the toll free hotline on 0800 110 248 or visit the Census 2011 website.