Census counters get to work
Enumerators began the three-week census at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, were babies were the first to be counted. The enumerators also visited Joburg’s largest transport hub, Park Station, the Methodist Church in the city centre and certain parts of downtown Hillbrow.In the last census, more than a million households were counted in Joburg and a population of 3,2 million people was recorded. Every Joburger, including those living in informal settlements, formal households, institutions and itinerant people, will be counted this time around. It is the third national census since 1994.
Stats SA says the population count, which will run until 31 October, is the most complex ever in the country, and forms part of the 2010 round of African censuses. The aim is to gather comprehensive data for improved future planning.
About 156 000 Stats SA certified enumerators with identification cards that have a three-dimensional photograph are out and about conducting the count nationwide. They are sporting yellow Census T-shirts and bibs, and their credentials can be verified on the Census hotline on 0800 110 248.
Census 2011 'running smoothly'
14 October 2011
South Africa's third population count since democracy is running smoothly, Statistician-General Pali Lehohla said on day four of Census 2011, adding that the public should not be concerned at the sight of Census enumerators sitting in groups on the country's streets.
Speaking at a Post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Lehohla addressed public concerns that enumerators were sitting in groups on the streets and "cooking" up answers to questionnaires.
"We have about 20 000 four-person units across the country, and their office is the street," Lehohla said. "So when you see them congregating together and working together, it is because they are looking at the questionnaires as they got them from households.
"They are not starting to write things that come out of their heads. The streets are their offices ... so you don't have to worry too much about that," he said.
'Running smoothly'
Census 2011 had got off to a good start, and by day four on Thursday it was going well, Lehohla added.
They are sporting yellow Census T-shirts and bibs, and their credentials can be verified on the Census hotline on 0800 110 248. Statistician-general Pali Lehohla says people will be asked if they have access to basic services such as water,
Apart from their bright yellow census caps, T-shirts and bibs all enumerators would be issued with an ID card bearing his/her photo, an enumeration area (EA) number with the Stats SA logo as well as posters bearing their faces and contact numbers.
