The progress of Census 2022 in the informal settlement of Phomolong, Bloemfontein, is in disarray.
The chaotic situation is due to a delay in completing the numbering of dwellings in ward 51 of the Mangaung Metro Municipality, despite last-ditch efforts by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) and community leaders.
This, coupled with the non-allocation of a draft map of the settlement, has been highlighted as an obstacle to the counting of the population.
Stats SA officials and community leaders took note of the challenge after it was claimed that disgruntled residents had threatened to boycott participation in the census.
It is understood that the situation is being addressed by the Department of Human Settlements. By 5 April about 200 dwellings of the approximately 4 500 had been numbered.
Risenga Maluleke, statistician-general, says the correct numbering of dwellings and the allocation of the residential map simplifies counting and the collection of data of the population, but that even more is at play.
“Residents demand the allocation of numbers, which are key to laying a claim on the stand they are occupying,” says Maluleke.
“Another issue is that Phomolong does not appear on any maps that Stats SA is using to conduct the census. It is critical that dwellings have numbers and we have a map of this settlement to complete the census.”
He says the willingness of the community to participate in the census followed a briefing about the importance of conducting a census.
“Information collected would reflect their situation and the need for development,” he explains.
“I am happy with the willingness of the community to participate in the census to influence the change they want, the provision of basic services and electricity and infrastructure development such as roads.
“We hope to return after 12 months to this community to give feedback.”
He says residents’ grievances relating to a lack of basic services is the norm across South Africa.
Maluleke says because of the challenge experienced in counting the population of this settlement, work will continue as part of Stats SA’s completion phase, set to end on Thursday (14/04).
“We have an obligation to count the population of Phomolong, as it is the case with everywhere else in the country. If the need arises, we will count the population beyond the timeline,” says Maluleke.
Mohapi Moloi, spokesperson for the Phomolong community, says Stats SA’s intervention spurring the allocation of numbers and ensuring census is conducted has given hope to residents.
“It is untrue residents were not willing to take part in census counting,” says Moloi.
“We wanted the issuing of numbers addressed urgently, because that serves as the identity of every household. We still do not know the total number of households we have beyond the municipal election. We want accountability from the authority.”
In the Free State the counting of more than 70% of households for Census 2022 has reportedly been completed.
