Abrie Oosthuizen: Free State FF Plus MPL said:
The FF Plus is being inundated with inquiries made by people who are concerned that the census could be used to commit crime and for other malpractices.
The census and the participation of everybody are obligatory according to legislation. Every ten years a Census is held in order to obtain information which could be used for future planning by the authorities. Throughout the country from 10 to 31 October 2011 census workers will be recording this information from individuals.
The concerns of people that criminals could during this period abuse this opportunity to gain access to property and to obtain information are therefore unfortunately not unfounded. People are urged to be alert and ensure that they put their own safety first at all times.
Following below is advice to ensure people’s safety:
- Every census official would be able to easily identify himself/herself through an identification card which would have been issued to them by StatsSA. They would also be in possession of census apparatus. Ask to view their identity card before you provide any information to them or to allow them to enter your premises.
- Census officials are at present going through residential areas to confirm addresses. There is therefore no reason for them to enter your premises. You cannot be forced to give them access to your house or your premises. You can provide them with the necessary information at the gate or at the door;
- Under no circumstances whatever should you provide your identity document or bank details to a census official or any person who introduces themselves as census officials;
- You are entitled to answer questions in the language of your choice;
- Census officials may not under any circumstances ask for any donations;
- Census officials may ask information such as within which salary bracket one falls but you are not under any obligation to answer any questions regarding your financial position. Do not under any circumstances give your bank or credit card details to them;
- Census officials could contact you through the post, by telephone or in person at your house. They may however not contact you via e-mail. Treat this contact as suspicious;
- Keep in mind that your only responsibility toward the census official is to confirm how many people are residing on the premises;
- Your personal safety is your responsibility. Be alert and cautious. Report any suspicious actions immediately at the nearest police station.
It is requested that this information is distributed as far and wide as possible in order for everybody to know what is expected of them and they could be on their guard for any possible criminals who want to abuse the census.
