StatsSA Must Urgently Resolve Census 2022 Data Inaccuracies, by Bringing in Academic Expertise

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) to urgently resolve the critical issues within Census 2022 by engaging trusted academics, economists and demographers – and bringing in existing academic, public sector and private sector data to test the Census numbers.

This collaboration would allow experts to confidentially assess the data on fertility, mortality, income, and employment, working in collaboration with Stats SA, comparing it to existing academic, public sector and private sector data.

Without accurate and tested Census 2022 data, all government planning and Treasury’s equitable share calculations are being delayed.

Within the academic sphere a wealth of population and demographic survey information exists, usually backing academic research and conclusions in numerous fields. Likewise, in the public sector, across hospitals, clinics and schools, crucial population and demographic information exists.

These experts could help reconcile Stats SA’s figures against reliable indicators, such as school enrolment and clinic attendance, identifying and correcting discrepancies.

Despite repeated requests to rectify and release this data, the Statistician-General, Dr. Risenga Maluleke, stated that biases in the figures make them unsuitable for public release.

Flaws currently identified in the Census 2022 figures will significantly affect population-based resource allocation, until they are rectified. In some cases, inflated population numbers could lead to unnecessary and unusable additional resources and funding being allocated there, for schools and clinics that are not needed.

Conversely, a major City like Johannesburg has had its population undercounted by what appears to be 16% – The people of Johannesburg will be short-changed in next year’s funding and resources by 16%. This is unacceptable and must be rectified.

The unprecedented 31% national undercount in Census 2022 raises questions about data quality, particularly on the non-release of vital statistics that impact long-term national planning.

The DA’s call is for Stats SA to make these problematic statistics accessible – confidentially if necessary – to a qualified team of external academics, economists, and demographers, to conduct rigorous evaluations and report back to Stats SA on a short timeline.

The DA strongly urges Stats SA to act now, and stop sitting on its hands.

Regards

Katherine Christie MP
DA Deputy Spokesperson on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation