Residents have the right to question any enumerator (lister) that knocks on their door, and to ask for further information before they let them into their homes.
So says Makana's Census Coordinator, Xolani Simakuhle in regard to concerned residents' fears that they might be approached by criminals pretending to be Census enumerators.
These fears follow a case of robbery reported in Johannesburg by a Kensington resident who was robbed of his firearm and cash by two men posing as Census enumerators.
Residents have the right to question any enumerator (lister) that knocks on their door, and to ask for further information before they let them into their homes.
So says Makana's Census Coordinator, Xolani Simakuhle in regard to concerned residents' fears that they might be approached by criminals pretending to be Census enumerators.
These fears follow a case of robbery reported in Johannesburg by a Kensington resident who was robbed of his firearm and cash by two men posing as Census enumerators.
Simakuhle said: "Respondents must ask for the letter of introduction which is given to all enumerators. It is stamped so it will be easy to see. Each enumerator must have the SA green barcoded ID and residents have the right to ask for it."
He added that the Makana coordinators want to ensure that theirs is different from other areas where residents refuse to let enumerators into their homes because they fear being mugged. "We do not want to have any criminal activities implicating our people, that is why we urge residents to ask the enumerators and be sure they are part of us before they allow them inside their homes."
All Census enumerators have laminated name tags with their details and a photograph, they carry yellow bags with a Census 2011 logo. Their black caps and yellow bibs have the same logo.
Simakuhle said their work has been running smoothly so far but there are a few challenges which the Census coordinators are trying to deal with.
"In some households you'll find that there are no people during the day because everyone is at work. In such cases we have decided to go after 7pm when people are back from work. We urge residents to let our enumerators in but exercise caution before doing so," he said.
For any queries regarding enumerators residents can call 0800 110 248 or contact Simakuhle on 0788679347.
