Census 2011 begins on the evening of 9 October 2011 when Census enumerators will count transient people staying in institutions, hotels or similar accommodation. The household census starts on Monday 10 October and ends on Monday 31 October and Census workers will go from house to house handing out questionnaires. People are advised to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.

How to do you tell the difference between a Census worker and a con artist? 

  • Census workers will be identifiable by their:
  • Badge.
  • A handheld device.
  • Bib/vest.
  • Census Bureau canvas bag.
  • Cap & folder.
  • A confidentiality notice.

What should you do when approached by a Census Bureau worker

  • Ask the person for his/her official Census ID badge; if necessary follow up with a call to the Census Call Centre on 0800 11 0248.
  • You can choose to have the Census worker help you with the questionnaire or leave the form with you to complete yourself and arrange for a date of collection.
  • Answer all the questions accurately.
  • One questionnaire will cover one household. You will be asked questions on your household income, employment, fertility and household goods. You are NOT required to answer questions about your financial situation and neither will Census workers ask for bank account details, credit card account numbers or your identity number or solicit donations.
  • The information is confidential in terms of the Statistics Act 6 of 1999.
  • A barcoded sticker will be left behind to verify that your house has been counted.

IMPORTANT
If you do not want to allow a Census worker on to your property or in your home you are not obliged to give the Census worker access. 

You may also either complete the form yourself or give your information to the enumerator in your yard, over your gate, or through a fence – it is your choice.

Census workers may contact you by phone, mail or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by email, so be on the lookout for email scams.

Information from Census 2011 website http://www.statssa.gov.za/census2011/documents/CountingRSA_info.jpg