Final call to Western Cape Residents: Census 2022 data collection will run until 31 May

The Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke, is making a final call to all residents of the Western Cape who have not yet been counted to make use of this last opportunity to complete the census questionnaire by 31 May. No further extensions past this date will be possible without compromising Census quality assurance and analysis activities.

The Census aims to count all households. Low participation rates may affect the accuracy of the overall census results which are the basis for budget allocations across local, provincial, and national government. Census data enables good planning for the provision of services, government programmes. The further extension of the provincial population count will ensure a comprehensive statistical profile of the country and equitable allocation of resources.

The positive response of residents of the Western Cape to the urgent call during the past month resulted in a significant increase in the number of households that were counted from 49% after the Easter weekend to 70% on 12 May. The Western Cape Provincial Government and municipalities around the province have significantly contributed to raising awareness of the importance of being counted.

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said at the current rate, with just 70% of the provincial population counted, it would not be possible for Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) to close the census count in the Western Cape.

“That is why I welcome the announcement by the Statistician-General of StatsSA, which is responsible for this project, that the count in the Western Cape will once again be extended to 31 May 2022. This is the only feasible way that we can ensure that as many residents as possible get counted and that our province gets its fair share of the national budget,” Winde said.

The Western Cape could lose funding equivalent to 1615 doctors or 5981 nurses, and over approximately 9300 teachers if only 70% of residents get counted in the 2022 Census. This is according to approximate projections by the Western Cape Provincial Treasury.

“In budget terms, we stand to lose R9.7 billion, or over 16% of our provincial equitable share, if only 70% of residents get counted. This would shave R2.6 billion in funding off our health budget and R4.2 billion off our education budget, with smaller departments also suffering losses. In short, service delivery in the Western Cape will suffer a major blow across the board if residents do not make sure they are counted”.

“To those of you who have not yet done so, please use this extension to ensure that you and your household get counted. We all must play our part so that critical services like schools and healthcare facilities continue to work, For You,” Winde concluded.

Residents are encouraged to make use of the online questionnaire completion option that can be accessed at getcounted.statssa.gov.za (datafree). To date, almost 100 000 online questionnaires have been completed in the Western Cape. Alternatively, answer the questionnaire face to face with one of the Census fieldworkers when they visit your area or where you see them at your local mall or government service point. Completing the questionnaire only takes 15 – 30 minutes and all information provided is strictly confidential.

The Census call centre is open to assist with any enquiries – 0800 110 248 (tollfree) or email [email protected]