Stats SA warns misinformation threatens data collection

This has led to halting field operations in some provinces to ensure the safety of staff.

The move follows fake posts and allegations regarding an official, which have hampered data collection activities.

Stats SA Deputy Director General, Ashwell Jenneker, has assured the public that Stats SA is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and integrity in its operations.

"Photos of a Stats SA fieldworker, his official Stats SA ID, and the Stats SA branded vehicle he uses to conduct official business, were circulated by a ward councillor to the community of Mamelodi to inform them that the fieldworker would be in the area and to encourage the community’s cooperation and participation.

"This information was then erroneously linked to criminal activity in the area, with the misinformation going viral and being circulated in provinces outside of Gauteng.

"False information of this nature poses a significant threat to our Statistical Value Chain (SVC), and the speed at which it has spread across the country is deeply concerning. It has the potential to severely disrupt – and in some instances is already affecting – our field operations."

He further encouraged community members to verify the identity of any fieldworker they encounter.

"If there are doubts or suspicions, we ask that you immediately report the matter to us or to the nearest police station. Statistics South Africa has made efforts to ensure that our field staff are identifiable.

"These include issuing staff with Stats SA ID cards; branded clothing; branded vehicles; and ensuring that independent verification of the legitimacy of the person at your door can be done on the fieldworker verification portal, accessible on https://www.statssa.gov.za/?page_id=17709, or by calling the toll-free number 0800 110 248."

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