How To Apply for a Stats SA Census Job

Stats SA Census Job

Youth unemployment in South Africa is at an all-time high. The unemployment rate in the 15 to 24 age group stands at 64.4%, whereas the country’s overall unemployment rate stands at 34.4%. With figures like these, South Africans will be happy that come 2 February 2024, Stats SA will be hosting a census, allowing youth and unemployed South Africans to access temporary and contract work.

Given that the opportunity will enable thousands of South Africans to participate in fieldwork and have part-time employment in 2024, this guide will reveal the steps you should take to find employment. Additionally, this guide will detail how to apply for Stats SA census and survey jobs and the qualifications you need to work during the 2024 census.

When is South Africa’s Census Taking Place?

The South African census will start on Wednesday, 2 February 2024. The census usually continues for a month or two, where field workers will be required to go house to house and collect information. However, some work through the census can take up to six months to complete. 

However, given that Stats SA will need to interview, assess, and train employees, applicants will only be able to apply for jobs from 25 October 2024 to 31 December 2024. 

Who Can Apply for a Stats SA Census Job?

Only South African citizens can apply for a Stats SA census job. Applicants will need to have matric and be proficient in one of the 11 official South African languages, which include Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, siSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Afrikaans, English, isiNdebele, isiXhosa and isiZulu. 

But, one critical element in applying for a Stats SA job is that you have to reside in the area where you will be working, as Stats SA will not be offering employees transport, and employees will be required to work after traditional working hours and on weekends.

What Jobs Are Available During the South African Census?

While fieldwork is a fundamental part of the census, there are several temporary and contract employment opportunities that become available during the Stats SA 2024 census.

These include: 

Field Work and Data Collection

Fieldwork and data collection employees will be required to go door-to-door in South African communities to collect data from households.

Data Capturing

Data capturers will be required to capture the information that fieldworkers have gathered.

Data Processing

Data processing employees will sort through the information, code, and quality check information from the data capturers and field workers.

Clerical and Administrative

Clerks and administrators will be responsible for all the general administrative tasks required during the census.

Supervisory

Supervisors will be in charge of managing and supervising field workers, data capturers, data processors, and clerks and administrators. They may also be required to train new workers on the correct processes and procedures. 

How To Apply for a Stats SA Census Job: Step by Step Guide

During the pandemic, South Africa’s unemployment rates have skyrocketed. But even before lockdowns and restrictions exacerbated the unemployment rate, there were still millions of South Africans in need of a job. Considering the circumstances, many South Africans would be in – and to ensure every South African has the opportunity to apply for a Stats SA census job – Stats SA has made accessing their platform available through zero-rated data. This means when you apply for a Stats SA census job, you won’t need data.

With this in mind, you can follow these five steps to register for a job through Stats SA.

Step 1: Visit Stats SA HR Portal

To begin the application process, you will need to access the Stats SA HR Portal. To access the portal, click here.

Step 2: Register on the Portal

Once you’re on the portal, click on Register if you haven’t registered on the Stats SA job portal before. If you have registered for a job before, click on login.

If this is your first time applying, you will be required to complete an 8 step process where you’ll need to input your details like your ID number, cell phone number, and residential address. In addition to making disclaimers about whether you are a sole proprietor who does other work for Stats SA and other government entities or if you work for a company that conducts work for Stats SA and other government entities.

Step 3: Upload applicable documentation

During this 8-step process, Stats SA requires you to provide proof of address. The reason for this is that applicants will only be hired in the area where they reside. Therefore, you should include the following documentation in your application:

• Proof of address. This can include documents like an affidavit, lease agreement, municipal or retail store bill, and Tribal Authority Letter.
• Matric Certificate
• Certified copy of ID 
• Copy of Driver’s License (if you’re applying for a job that needs a driver’s license)

Remember that you should only provide accurate information as Stats SA will be conducting reference checks and document checks to ensure that all information you provide is valid. 

Step 4: Submit your details Before the Deadline.

Be sure you’ve completed all eight steps and have provided all the necessary details – by 31 December 2022 – otherwise, your application won’t be processed.

If you are a shortlisted candidate, Stats SA will send you an SMS confirming that you have been shortlisted. From there, you will receive a date and time to attend a skills assessment or training.

To give yourself a better opportunity to secure the job, you should consider updating your CV to include your expertise and qualifications. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should contain the necessary information.

If you don’t have much job experience, you can include your Grade 11 or Matric results, your core competencies, your soft skills and so on. You can also ask previous school teachers, sports teachers, pastors, or community leaders to give character references, as all these don’t require you to have previous work experience.

What Qualifications do you Need to Apply for a Stats SA Census Job?

Since Stats SA will be hiring more than 165,000 candidates, there are many jobs available with different qualifications and criteria for each. 

Below you can see what qualifications you need for each of the roles available.

Basic Criteria

• Be A South African Citizen
• Have a Senior Certificate (Grade 12 or equivalent)
• Have no criminal record
• Be willing to work outside of regular office hours
• Be proficient in one or more of South Africa’s 11 official languages

Field Work and Data Collection

• Communication skills
• Computer Literacy
• Ability to Operate a Mobile Device
• A Driver’s License will be an added advantage

Data Capturing

• Computer Literacy
• Typing speed of 35 words per minute with 95% accuracy

Data Processing

• Computer literacy

Clerical and Administrative

• Administrative skills
• Computer literacy

Supervisory

• Supervising and management experience
• Ability to operate a mobile device
• A driver’s license where needed

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If you have any queries about the application process, you can contact Stats SA on 0800 110 248.

Remember that Stats SA will not be recruiting from door to door or via SMS or email. The only way to apply is through the HR portal. Furthermore, applicants will not be required to make any payments to apply. 

You can also follow the progress of the application on Stats SA’s social media pages on their Facebook Page @StatsSA and on Twitter @StatsSA.