Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has welcomed yet another extension of the 2022 national census deadline to 31 May.
“At the current rate, with just 70% of the provincial population counted, it would not be possible for Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) to close the census count in the Western Cape.”
He said that an extension is the best way to ensure that as many residents as possible get counted and that the province gets its fair share of the national budget.
“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. This is according to approximate projections by the Western Cape provincial treasury,” Winde said.
In budgetary terms, the province stands to lose R9.7 billion, or over 16% of the provincial equitable share, if only 70% of residents get counted. This would shave off R2.6 billion in funding for the health budget and R4.2 billion off the 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.”
This sense of urgency was also shared in a broadcast video by the executive mayor of the Cape Winelands District, Elma von Schlicht, earlier in May.
Residents are strongly urged to complete the census form online from a cellphone or any other device by visiting getcounted.statssa.gov.za.
Alternatively, people can make an appointment by phoning 0800 110 248 so that a field worker can visit them at home.
