COMMUNITY SURVEY 2016 GOES PAPERLESS
On March 7 2016, when more than 3 000 field staff take to the streets of Gauteng to conduct Community Survey 2016, there will not be a sheet of paper in sight as Statistics South Africa takes a step towards the future by using tablets to record respondents’ responses.
On March 7 2016, when more than 3 000 field staff take to the streets of Gauteng to conduct Community Survey 2016, there will not be a sheet of paper in sight as Statistics South Africa takes a step towards the future by using tablets to record respondents’ responses.
The Community Survey (CS) is a large-scale survey that happens between censuses. It provides population and household statistics at municipal level to government and the private sector to support planning and decision-making. In Gauteng, about 300 000 households will be approached to participate in the first paperless national survey, which runs from March to April 2016.
South Africa needs up-to-date information to plan, improve citizens’ quality of life and monitor progress. CS results provide information that local authorities can use for planning, as they will be able to assess where services like hospitals and clinic are needed. In addition, information on basic service delivery and quality of services will be available.
The use of tablets will enable results to be published in record time as the technology has allowed the organisation to streamline the statistical production process.
Field staff will carry official ID cards, which include a hologram image to verify authenticity. This ID card must be produced when visiting sampled homes. There is also a call centre (tel: 0800 110 248) that can be contacted should the public have any queries about the survey. (Please see accompanying brochure on how to identify Stats SA field staff.)
Households will be asked, among others, questions on age, sex, migration; access to water, sanitation and housing; ownership of goods and involvement in agricultural activities.
According to Dr Mahlape Mohale, Stats SA’s Gauteng Provincial Executive Manager, all those who are selected should cooperate with field staff. “We are calling on all those sampled in Gauteng to open your doors to Community Survey 2016.” She said: “Your cooperation ensures that your community has accurate information for planning.”
