As the Census 2022 dawns upon South Africa (marking the fourth population count since 1994) Stats SA is imposing somewhat extreme measures to ensure participation.
Up to six months imprisonment or being liable for a R10 000 fine are on the cards for those who refuse to be counted, according to the head of Stats SA in Limpopo, Nthambeleni Mukwevho.
This is a last resort according to Mukwevho, because “{they} have no time to waste laying charges,” he noted in a press briefing according to Pretoria News.
“Police will go to citizens’ houses to arrest them if it comes to that,” he further added.
Mukwevho emphasised the census’s importance in terms of distribution of resources, which ties to service delivery. Something that the government has been criticised harshly for by the public – especially since 2016.
The R20 billion Census 2022 project will see roughly 160 000 field workers counting the population from the night of February 2 to February 28, according to Stats SA.
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