The first day of Census 2011 is “continuing with high spirit”, Statistician General Pali Lehohla said on Monday.
“We opened the day with high spirits and we continue to do so,” Lehohla said after the country’s third census since the dawn of democracy kicked off at midnight.
The statistician general said some problems such as enumerators not hitting the ground yet had been experienced. “Enumerators had to do a lot last night so they had to take a break this morning.”
Counting began at midnight, with the homeless and truckers, among others, being counted first. Lehohla said the homeless had been cooperative.
Some bread and milk had been distributed to the homeless during counting.
The census runs from today until 31 October.
Earlier, Lehohla and Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga visited Parktown High School for Girls to launch the Learner Ambassador Programme, whereby learners will be asked if their households have been counted when the register is taken.
This programme will kick-off countrywide on 17 October. Statistics SA will make contact with the schools to see if households have been left out of the counting.
The police will also keep watch of the census said Lehohla, calling on people to get counted.
Meanwhile, Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet has urged the province to provide accurate and honest information to Stats SA officials.
“This process will definitely assist government if we can all give the officials honest information. It’s a detailed questionnaire and surely it will provide government with adequate data to do planning for the future of our country. Our people should participate fully in this process,” said Kiviet.
Stats SA officials can be identified by their yellow bibs and caps and identity cards. People can also check the validity of enumerators by calling the toll-free number on 0800 110 248. – BuaNews
