The Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) Census 2021 Pilot will use online registration in conjuction with traditional data-gathering methods, offering residents an alternative to home visits and telephonic interviews.
The census pilot acts as a “dress rehearsal” for the main census, according to Stats SA. Registration is taking place from 17 May to 30 June 2021 for selected areas.
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Meanwhile, actual data collection for the pilot takes place from 3 to 28 July 2021.
However, those who register online have to fill the questionare by 8 July — otherwise they will be moved to the list of households that require a home visit.
According to Stats SA, all households in the selected areas must register.
How to register for the pilot census online
If you want to avoid a telephonic interview or home visit, you can register online on the official census pilot website. You will then receive a link to complete the questionnaire between 3 and 8 July.
Below is a list of the selected areas for the pilot census. Only specific suburbs/areas within these regions need to register — you can see a more detailed list on the Stats SA Facebook page.
Eastern Cape:
East London, Kirkwood, Bontrug, Butterworth, Queenstown, Mlungisi, Aliwal North, Mthatha, Lubaleko, Esidakeni, Mrholweni, Dukathole, Cabazana, Brooksnek, Bumbeni, Gqberha (Port Elizabeth).
Free State:
Iponeng, Faresmith, Jagersfontein, Itumeleng, Thabong, Bethlehem, Old Location, Vuka, Maokeng, Kroonstad, Bloemfontein.
Gauteng:
Vereeniging, Krugersdorp, Benoni, Johannesburg, Pretoria.
KwaZulu-Natal:
Port Shepstone, Hibiscus Coast NU, Pitermaritzburg, Ladysmith, Dundee, Newcastle, Vryheid, Kwamakhonyeni, Emanqayini, Jozini, Empangeni, Stanger, Durban.
Limpopo:
Tzaneen, Modimole, Musina, Polokwane.
Mpumalanga:
Nkomazi, Komatipoort, Lemombo, Ermelo, Manganagobuswa, Siyabuswa, Emalahleni, Marloth Park.
Northern Cape:
Springbok, Nonzwakazi, De Aar, Upington, Maruping, Kimberley.
North West:
Tlhabane, Mmabatho, Montshioa, Mafikeng, Signal Hill, Vryburg, Mmotla, Setumo Park, Huhudi, Klerksdorp.
Western Cape:
George, Caledon, De Hoek, Piketberg, Cape Town, Worcester, Khayelitsha.
The date for the main census has not yet been announced. However, the pilot allows Stats SA to test the data gathering methods — including the online registration and questionnaire.
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