The counting of the country’s population has begun, with Census 2022 fieldworkers ascending on suburbs to collect population and housing data.

This is South Africa’s fourth population count post-democracy and the country’s first digital census, where at least 165 000 fieldworkers were deployed to count everyone within our borders.

The conducting of the census can open up opportunities for criminals, which is why Fidelity ADT advised residents to remain vigilant regardless of how they plan to provide their information to Stats SA.

“Verification is vital, as is the case with any other person claiming to be a service provider or council worker,” said Charnel Hattingh, head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT.

“Personal and home security must be kept top of mind at all times and even more so during times you are urged to open your home to strangers for the census,” said Hattingh.

Khathutshelo Nekhubvi is the field operations office for Stats SA who is responsible for the counting of people in the Primrose area.

He advised how residents can identify a fieldworker.

He said this year, the official website provides a list of fieldworkers in each province, making it simple for homeowners to verify their identity online before allowing them into their homes.

“Should you not find the person on the website, there are further steps you can take to verify their identification.”

“Those who registered and completed the questionnaire online should not do it again with a fieldworker.

“If asked to complete it again, your answer should be no,” said Nekhubvi.

“The census team members can be identified by a green overhead shirt with an ID card, green cap and a tablet.

The card should reflect the details of that person with an ID photo and the ID number of that person,” said Nekhubvi.