Residents in the province are urged to make sure they are counted in the current census count.
According to Premier Alan Winde the current count in the province could mean less medical staff and educators when it comes time for the National Treasury to hand money out to each region. The Western Cape could lose funding equivalent to 1 615 doctors or 5 981 nurses, and over approximately 9 300 teachers if only 70% of residents get counted in the 2022 Census, Winde said in a statement.
This according to approximate projections by the Western Cape Provincial Treasury.
An inaccurate census count means the quality of health care and education services would be affected “at a time when demand for services is ever more pressing,” the Premier said.
“In money terms, we stand to lose R9,7 billion, or more than 16% of our provincial equitable share, if only 70% of residents get counted.
“This would shave R2,6 billion in funding off our health budget and R4,2 billion off our education budget, with smaller departments also suffering losses. In short, service delivery in the Western Cape will suffer a major blow across the board if residents do not make sure they are counted.”
Since the beginning of May Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) is not even within sight of a 70% count – they counted just 61% of residents.
Winde also warns if only 70% of the population manages to be counted the available spending per person would be reduced by more than R1 300 per person per annum in the provincial equitable share.
He urged: “I reiterate my appeal to residents to use the extended Census count period in the Western Cape to get counted.
“It’s simple – if we are not fully counted we will not get our fair share of the country’s budget allocation to deliver critical services like education and health care for you.”
Get counted today. It is easy to do, and this can be done by: . Completing the Census questionnaire when visited by an official StatsSA Census counter; . Completing the Census questionnaire online: getcounted.statssa.gov.za.
“I encourage you to share this link on your social media accounts, WhatsApp groups or emails,” said the Premier. “
“You can also play your part in helping others to get counted.” . Contacting the Census Call Centre for any enquiries on 0800 110 248 or emailing census2022@statssa.gov.za.
