SAPS asks residents to assist with Census

The census is taking place across this country to count the population.

The importance of taking census, according to Stats SA, is that the data, which provides clarity on the socio-economic dynamics of the residents, is used for planning, policy formulation and decision-making.

This information provides a basis for all spheres of government – local, provincial and national – to plan budgets to cater for the needs of the residents. On the municipal level, this provides a basis for the Integrated Development Plans.

Stats SA is prescribed by the Statistics Act (Act No 6 of 1999) to collect data and conduct a census. The Act states that all information collected on individuals and their households needs to remain confidential.

The Act makes it obligatory for citizens to provide data to Stats SA fieldworkers who administer questionnaires for producing official statistics.

A Stats SA individual can be identified by the following characteristics:

• A Stats SA fieldworker will have a bib with the Census and Stats SA logos on

• They will carry a satchel with the two logos on it.

• They will carry census questionnaires with them and be in possession of an A3 book with a map of the area on the first page.

• They will be in possession of an ID card identifying them as Stats SA fieldworkers.

According to Brackendowns SAPS communications officer WO Gerhard Cornelius, the data collected by the census assists them in having a clear idea of the areas they police and how they can best assist residents.

“We ask that people have a positive outlook on the census,” said Cornelius.

“The census is taken every 10 years and gives us a true reflection of our areas and how best to perform our duties.”