ADMINISTRATIVE DATA SYSTEM IS THE SOLUTION FOR FUTURE INCLUSIVE POPULATION STATISTICAL COUNTING

By Sello Tang

• The administrative data collection system has been identified as the most effective method for accurately counting the population in South Africa, as discussed at the World Population Day (WPD) 2024 initiative in Mahikeng, North West Province.   
• Key speakers, including Social Development Deputy Minister Mr Ganief Hendricks, emphasised the urgent need for comprehensive and inclusive data to address the growing disparity between population growth and resource allocation, particularly in underfunded sectors like social development.
• The initiative coincided with significant anniversaries, including the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democracy and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Plan of Action, highlighting the importance of data in shaping effective policy and improving citizens’ quality of life.

The administrative data collection system is the future of an accurate and inclusive population counting ecosystem, as was discussed on, 1 October, at the World Population Day (WPD) 2024 commemoration initiative held at the Mmabatho Palm Hotel and Conference Centre, near Mahikeng in the North West Province.

All speakers agreed that, among the various methods of data collection, the best tool for measuring the size of the population is the administration of birth and death registration rates in the country, alongside other methods of tracking migration patterns in and out of the country.

Addressing the official launch of the State of the World Population Report 2024, Social Development Deputy Minister Mr Ganief Hendricks stressed that funding remains a significant challenge in addressing population growth in South Africa, adding that social development is one of the underfunded departments.

“We hope that Africa will, in the future, become one of the prosperous regions in the world through the planned Africa Free Trade Agreement. However, there is not enough data on the population of Africa, which is why there is a delay between trade agreements and investments in our people. Therefore, the collection of inclusive data is crucial for us to plan resources accordingly,” Deputy Minister Hendricks explained.

The Deputy Minister delivered the keynote speech at the WPD initiative, which focused on the theme: “Embracing the Power of Inclusive Data Towards a Resilient Equitable Future for All.” He noted that the unemployment rate in the country highlights the significant disparity between population growth and the allocation of appropriate resources for sustainable community development. He cited the distribution of the R370 social relief grant as insufficient to meet the needs of impoverished individuals.

“There is a lack of data on the needs of the population and how many people require resources to live decent lives. The solution is before us. To alleviate pressure on the fiscus, we must create decent jobs for our people. The EPWP is a smokescreen for alleviating poverty, not a solution to eradicate the rampant poverty affecting our population. Let us think outside the box in our strategic plans and start creating decent jobs,” Deputy Minister Hendricks stated.

North West MEC for Social Development, Ms Sussana Dantjie, echoed Deputy Minister Hendricks’s sentiments, emphasising the need for data collectors to focus on inclusivity when gathering data in the province. “Our province is very rural, and we require effective tools that can encompass all needy populations and communities during data collection,” MEC Dantjie said.

MEC Dantjie paid tribute to the heroes and heroines who were recently repatriated to Freedom Park from abroad, calling for a moment of silence at the initiative. “These men and women struggled to free our country. This year, we celebrate 30 years of freedom and democracy, thanks to their contributions,” she stated.

Social Development Chief Director for Population and Development, Mr Jacques van Zuydam, explained that today’s WPD commemoration marks a milestone in recognising the growth of the human race globally while underscoring the importance of international cooperation in ensuring no one is left behind in research and data collection. The world population was reported to have reached 8 billion by last year.

The South African population rose from 28 million in 1996 to the current 60 million, although it is predominantly composed of an ageing demographic, as reported.

Mr Diego Iturralde, Chief Director of Demography and Population at Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), highlighted that while current statistical methods are effective, the most advanced and reliable system for collecting population information is through administrative means. “It is crucial to collect, share, and utilise data that enables the country to make evidence-based decisions and develop relevant interventions,” Iturralde stated.

He outlined current data collection sources as administrative data, surveys and censuses, surveillance sites, and emerging sources such as big data. “While surveys and censuses occur at various intervals, administrative data is continuous and can include permit data, human movement (across borders), refugee and asylum seeker data, education, health, social security, and other sources,” explained Iturralde.

WPD is held annually on 11 July to raise awareness around population issues, following its declaration by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990. This year’s commemoration in South Africa was delayed due to the presidential elections held earlier this year.

The WPD 2024 commemoration also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Plan of Action and the 30 years of democracy in South Africa. It also aligns with the celebrations of the International Day of Older Persons, commemorated annually on 1 October.

Through the implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action, South Africa has made significant progress in enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. Mr Iturralde noted that Chapter 12 of the Plan of Action refers to the need for factual and socio-economically relevant data collection, research, and analysis methods if the world is to address the current situation where some sub-groups of the global population are overlooked.

He highlighted several socio-economic challenges that require factual data for effective resolution, including unemployment, education, nuptiality, language, poverty, and disability. “The power of data enables us to make informed decisions and hold ourselves accountable for the choices we have made based on comparable data over time and between regions or countries facing similar social challenges,” Iturralde remarked.

“We have made progress, but numerous challenges remain to enable evidence-driven policymaking and programming,” he added.

As we celebrate Older Persons’ Week, Iturralde painted a concerning picture of South Africa’s population, noting its ageing trend, with older citizens constituting a significant percentage of the total population. Research indicates that the elderly demographic has seen the largest growth from 2002 to 2024, rising from 3.5 million in 2002 to 6.1 million in 2024, while the population aged 35-59 grew marginally from 11.3 million to 18.7 million in the same period. Meanwhile, the youth population (aged 16-34) has stagnated, increasing from 16.5 million to 20.8 million in the same timeframe.

Mr Yu Yu, Country Representative for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in South Africa, officially launched the State of World Population Report 2024 during the initiative.

The WPD was organised in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the North West Provincial Department of Social Development, and North West University.