Official South Africa Census 2021- Pilot Countdown, Census 2021 Mini-Test, Registrations and Dates
we are pleased to inform you about South Africa Census 2021- Pilot Countdown, Census 2021 Mini-Test, Registrations and Dates
South Africa Census 2021 Background
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) will conduct a population count in 2021, Census 2021. This will be the fourth population count in post-apartheid South Africa. A census is the largest undertaking by a statistical agency, where everyone in the country is counted. The data collected during a census is used for planning, policy and evidence based decision-making. Census data also provides content for a wide variety of programs and services used by different structures and communities across the country. According to the Statistics Act (Act No.6 of 1999), a census in South Africa should be conducted every five years. However, a decennial census is undertaken and in between censuses, a large scale survey called the Community Surveys is conducted every five years.
Census 2021 will be the first population count in the country to use new methods of data collection that involves the use of digital devices. The Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) allows a fieldworker to administer a questionnaire by capturing data on a tablet. Where applicable, the option of Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI), where a respondent completes the questionnaire via the web, may be used.
Stats SA is mandated by the Statistics Act to collect data for official statistics and to conduct a census. In terms of section 17 of the Act, information collected on individuals and their households remains confidential. The Act also makes it obligatory to provide data to Stats SA fieldworkers administering questionnaires for producing official statistics.
Census 2021 Mini-Test: Project Director, Calvin Molongoana & Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke
As part of the phases towards the full count of the population in 2021, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) conducted the Census 2021 Mini Test Phase 1 from 9 October to 6 November 2019 in selected areas around the country
Census 2021 Testing
Pre-test surveys and pilot censuses are a critical part of the census planning process as they provide the opportunity to test all aspects of the census undertaking. The tests enable the review of new methodologies relating to processes and procedures, changes in questionnaire design and any new questions added to the census questionnaire, among other issues.
Phase one of the Census 2021 Mini – Test
Phase one of the Census 2021 Mini – Test focused on the population in dwelling units in selected areas around the country. The selected areas were Buffalo City, Cape Town, Emalahleni, Ekurhuleni, Kimberley, Mangaung, Polokwane, Rustenburg and Umgungudlovu.This was conducted from 9 October to 5 November 2019.
Data collection methodologies:
To test the methodology for the enumerating the population in the dwelling unit
Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI):
Capturing the information on a digital device rather than a paper questionnaire
Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI):
Whereby a respondent completes the questionnaire via the web
Phase two of the Census 2021 Mini-Test
Phase two of the Census 2021 Mini-Test focuses on the population in special dwelling institutions, transients, homeless population and population in dwelling units. The selected areas are Buffalo City, Thabo Mofutsanyane, City of Cape Town, Ekurhuleni, Nkangala, Umgungundlovu, Capricorn, Frances Baard and Bojanala. This will be conducted from 15 February to 13 March 2020.
Data collection methodologies:
To test the methodology for the enumerating the population in dwelling units
Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI):
Capturing the information on a digital device rather than a paper questionnaire
Computer Assisted Web Interview (CAWI):
Whereby a respondent completes the questionnaire via the web
Fieldworker Verification
Stats SA fieldworkers can be identified through the official Stats SA Identification (ID) Card displaying the Stats SA logo, the photograph and unique number of the fieldworker.
Click here to access the Fieldworker Verification System