Cape town: While highlighting the critical role played by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) in providing credible and independent statistics, Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhlauli, has called for concerns about the organisation's financial pressures to be addressed.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Deputy Minister emphasized the need to address these challenges to ensure that the quality and sustainability of national statistics are not compromised. Speaking on Wednesday in Parliament during the Budget Vote for Stats SA, she stressed the importance of reliable data in driving South Africa's inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable state.
She referred to the recent release of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) as a key product of Stats SA, underscoring that despite four consecutive economic growth figures recorded last year, the latest numbers indicate a need for faster and more inclusive economic growth to improve lives in South Africa. Mhlauli highlighted the indispensable role of Stats SA in this effort.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of sustained investment in technology, infrastructure, and human capability for modern statistical systems. She noted that Stats SA is collaborating with the National Treasury and exploring alternative funding models to ensure the continuity and quality of official statistics.
During the 2026/27 financial year, Stats SA plans to publish 299 statistical products covering various sectors, including the economy, society, population, and environment. These will include key indicators like the Consumer Price Index and Gross Domestic Product, essential for economic planning and business confidence. Stats SA will continue to provide data on poverty, inequality, employment, and living conditions, crucial for guiding government interventions.
Mhlauli highlighted the growing demand for reliable statistics amidst fiscal constraints, making it challenging to expand operations at the required pace. Stats SA is committed to building expertise in data science, digital tools, survey methodology, and emerging statistical techniques to strengthen institutional resilience and maintain South Africa's position in statistical innovation.
The organisation is redesigning its household survey programme with a continuous population survey and expanding web-based data collection for business surveys. These innovations aim to improve the timeliness, efficiency, and responsiveness of official statistics while reducing costs and administrative burdens.
The Statistics Amendment Act, 2024, effective from October 2025, enhances the Statistician-General's authority to coordinate the National Statistical System. This reform aims to improve collaboration and data sharing across government entities and strategic partners, creating a more integrated data ecosystem to enhance efficiency and ensure access to credible and consistent information for decision-makers.