Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) will, from October 9 to November 6, conduct a Census 2021 Mini Test in selected areas around the country.

Fieldworkers will visit households in Buffalo City, Ekurhuleni, Mangaung, UMgungundlovu, Polokwane, Emalahleni, Kimberley, Rustenburg and Cape Town.

The Census Mini Test will be conducted to prepare for the upcoming Census in 2021 and, as such, will test and review census data collection tools and systems, as well as operational methodologies.

Census 2021 will be the first population count to use new methods of data collection that involve the use of digital devices. Fieldworkers will administer the census questionnaire face-to-face with respondents using the Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI). Where applicable, the option of a Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI), whereby a respondent completes the questionnaire through the Internet, may also be used.

Population censuses are the key source of disaggregated data about the population and the socioeconomic dynamics in the country.

The data collected through a census are used by different sectors of society including government, business and other users for evidence-based planning and decision-making.

The first phase of training has started where field operations officers from across the country are being prepared to implement the census methodologies to be used.  
 
“We encourage communities to participate in the Census 2021 Mini Test to ensure that quality data for evidence-based policy-making is generated through the upcoming population count. Data collected remains confidential and covers demographic variables – age, sex, language spoken, migration, education, employment status and living conditions of the households, among other variables,” says Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke.

Stats SA fieldworkers can be identified through the official Stats SA Identification Card displaying the Stats SA logo, the photograph and a unique number of the fieldworker. Respondents can also contact the Census 2021 Toll-free number (0800 110 248) to verify the fieldworkers visiting their homes. Respondents may also visit the Stats SA website www.statssa.gov.za for online verification of fieldworkers.