Minister Meyer launched the Western Cape Community Survey 2016

Western Cape Finance Minister, Dr Ivan Meyer today launched Statistics South Africa’s Community Survey 2016 in the Western Cape.

In South Africa, a census is only conducted every ten years which is too big a gap in information for effective planning and service delivery. Stats SA introduced Community Surveys in 2007 for the first time to provide information on emerging trends and differentials with regard to demographic, socio-economic and social profiles of the population. The 2007 survey had a relatively small sample size of approximately 275 00 dwelling units but to ensure robust data at municipal level, the 2016 survey will target 1 000 000 dwelling units.

Data on population size, composition and distribution, migration, fertility, mortality, disability, school attendance, educational attainment, labour force variables and service delivery variables such as housing, water, sanitation and electricity is collected. Over the next six weeks, Stats SA will visit 148 000 households in the Western Cape to collect information for the survey.

Traditionally the Western Cape had the lowest response rate to Stats SA surveys compared to other provinces in South Africa and therefor Minister Meyer urged all residents of the Province to participate in the Community Survey 2016.

Meyer said: “A capable state must invest in capable institutions, and Stats SA is such a capable institution. When you take part in the Community Survey 2016, you take part in determining your own future. Your future is in your hands, use it.”

The 2016 survey will also be conducted by using digital devices, instead of the traditional paper-based model. The Community Survey 2016 will be used as a planning tool for Integrated Development Planning by Municipalities in the Western Cape.