Cops warn residents about bogus fieldworkers during Census 2022
Note that Stats SA will not ask you for information like your ID number, bank details or PIN number.
Be careful, don’t let any bogus Stats SA fieldworkers into your house during this year’s census-taking, Rietgat police have warned.
“Residents must make sure the fieldworkers properly identify themselves and are dressed accordingly as well as carrying the right resources for the job,” said police spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka.
All Stats SA fieldworkers have been issued with Census 2022-branded bibs, peak caps, masks and bags.
Fieldworkers have a census-branded ID card printed with the Stats SA logo with their photo, name, unique number and the district they have been assigned to work in.
He said the Rietgat SAPS will ensure both the safety of the community and fieldworkers during the census.
“People must also not take the law into their own hands should they encounter any bogus fieldworkers. Instead, they should immediately inform the police.”
The census kicks off this week and will run until February 28.
South Africa’s previous census was held in 2011.
The census was originally planned for October 2021, but was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thembi Siweya, deputy minister in the presidency, said this census would offer South Africa an opportunity to collect, compile and publish updated demographic, economic and social data for all persons in the country.
“We are pleased that we can have fresh data to help us with policy formulation and evidence-based decision-making.
“Conducting a census is key because it is the only source of small area data.”
Speaking at the media launch, Siweya called on all social partners to get behind the latest census.
Siweya said she was pleased with Stats SA’s state of readiness during her visit to their head office.
Households can use the online fieldworker verification system to check on the identities of fieldworkers. It can be accessed at https://www.statssa.gov.za/Fieldworkerverification/home.php.
Households can search by name, surname or verification number. The fieldworker’s photo, full name and surname and the district they have been assigned to work in are displayed.
Households can also contact the call centre on 0800 110 248, or the provincial census contact person listed at https://census.statssa.gov.za/#myContacts to verify the legitimacy of the person knocking at their door.
Telephonic enumeration households who registered to complete the census questionnaire telephonically with the assistance of a call centre agent can verify that the person calling them is legitimate using one of the below methods.
Online households can use the online fieldworker verification system, which can be accessed at https://www.statssa.gov.za/Fieldworkerverification/home.php.
Households can search using the unique verification number that the Stats SA enumerator will give them.
Telephone households can contact the call centre on 0800 110 248 to verify the legitimacy of the person calling them.
Please note that Stats SA will not ask you for information like your ID number, bank details or PIN number.
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