The 2022 Stats SA Green Census is underway, and while many South Africans are nervous, they are being encouraged to proceed with kindness.
South Africa (07 March 2022) – The Stats SA Census for 2022 is underway, having started on the 2nd of February, and one man, Johann Willem Sakkie Strydom, is encouraging South Africans to be kind when it’s their turn to be counted.
The Green Census 2022 is the fourth population count since 1994. Stats SA has recruited 165 000 temporary field staff from across the country to do fieldwork activities that include data collection, clerical, administrative and other roles.
The Statistical Commission approved the 2020 Round of Population and Housing Censuses at its 46th session, but due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the census had to be postponed to February 2022.
Already, the fieldworkers are knocking on doors to do their jobs, and of course, a few have had a more challenging time than they expected. Johann decided to share an inspiring post on Facebook to encourage people to show kindness to the fieldworkers.
“So during this year, a kid in a Green Census 2022 bib and cap will arrive at your gate with a tablet. Today was my day. He gets R264 for the day. He is already terrified of your dog, nervous, tired in the 30-degree sun. Can I ask you to smile, let him in, give him some Oros, sit down, be patient when he fumbles with the tablet drop-down menus, your weird Afrikaans surname (spell it again slowly with every member of the family) Sit next to him and help him (it will also save you time) When you get to your household income, he will politely move away. When he is done, tip him (yes, it’s a Coke and a pie, you will be OK) and wish him well. Walk with him to your neighbour to introduce him. Then go back, and fall on your face in front of God and thank Him for every gracious, Yes and No you could tick – yes I have a car, yes I have all of these appliances, yes I have children, yes they are all alive still, yes I am married, yes I have a job. No, we have not been without food for more than a day in the last 24 months. No none of us are visually impaired. The list goes on and on and on. May God forgive me for every ungrateful, unappreciated moment in my life.” – Johann Willem Sakkie Strydom
Why being counted is so essential?
The census is one of the primary data sources needed for formulating, implementing and monitoring policies and programmes aimed at inclusive socio-economic development and environmental sustainability. It will give the country and policymakers data to measure a wide range of facts about our society.
“We are mindful of the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic will drag on into 2022, and we are taking every precaution on our part to ensure everyone’s safety,” – Risenga Maluleke, Statistician-General
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