South Africa celebrates 30th anniversary of Stats SA Census

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli emphasized the critical role of Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) during a ceremony celebrating the 30th anniversary of the national census. Mhlauli stated that the data produced by Stats SA enables the government to conduct evidence-based planning, allowing officials to identify where schools, clinics, and essential services are required and where resources must be redirected.

Mhlauli noted that census participation faces increasing global challenges, including higher population mobility, difficulty accessing gated communities and high-rise buildings, and privacy concerns. She also highlighted that skepticism regarding service delivery can sometimes lead to hostility toward fieldworkers. She stressed that public trust must be continuously earned to ensure accurate data collection.

The event in Pretoria was attended by various international and regional representatives, including the United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa and heads of national statistics offices from the SADC region, including Namibia, Eswatini, Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.