Stats SA, the country’s statistical authority, is suffering from severe underfunding – and this is endangering its future work.
This warning was issued by the South African Statistics Council, the body that reviews and endorses the data produced and disseminated by Stats SA.
In a media statement, Prof David Everatt, chairperson of the Council, said that Stats SA was the only official source of statistics, produced high-quality data and was critical for state planning, yet it was deprived of the necessary funding to undertake its work.
‘In 2015 StatsSA had R160 million stripped from its budget, and a freeze on all posts was imposed by government. Both have remained in place since that point. By early 2020, the situation has reached crisis point. The vacancy rate has climbed to almost 20% – that is, every 5th position is vacant, and many staff are thus taking on their own job and work that should be done by others; working a 6 or even 7 day week is common. The freeze on posts means that no promotions are possible, and no vacancies can be filled.’
For these reasons, talented statisticians were looking at alternative employment, and even leaving the country.
Stats SA, Prof Everatt emphasised, was not an institution undermined by ‘state capture’. It was well run and well managed. Its decline would have adverse consequences for the economy.
He added that without appropriate remedial action from government, the Council would not be willing to endorse its work in future: ‘The warning lights are flashing red, and government needs to act swiftly if South Africans are to retain a robust and innovative Stats SA. If Stats SA is not able to fill posts with skilled people, keep sample sizes up, and innovate, the Council will be forced to withdraw support for official statistics.’