South Africa to Conduct First Ever Digital Census
Rumbidzo Chikomo
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) is ready to conduct a trial for the first ever digital census.
The Census 2021 Trial started on the 10th of August and is set to run till the 6th of September 2020. It will only be done in selected areas of the country and will be testing online and telephonic data collection to prepare for the remote data collection for the upcoming Census 2021.
Census 2021 Trial is the first population count to introduce digital census by using online and telephonic data collection platforms. These platforms allow for respondents to complete the census questionnaire on their own.
“The increased use of cell phones and the current technology driven digital era will minimise the challenge of reaching hard to access communities, thus allowing more people to participate in the census” Stats SA said in a statement.
To participate in the Census 2021 Trial respondents are required to register through a platform available on Stats SA online and social media platforms or respondent can contact Stats SA using their toll-free number 0800 110 248 for further assistance.
A census is important as it provides small area data on demographics, socio-economic and living conditions of the populations. The data collected through a census is then used by the government and different sector society for policy-formulation, decision making and planning.
“Data collected by Stats SA is only used for statistical purposes and may not be shared with the state or any organs of the state and it remains confidential” Stats SA said.
Picture: ebnet.co.za
