People who refuse to take part in the national census could be sent to prison or could face a fine of R10 000, Statistics SA said on Saturday.
“I am not sure why people would want to refuse, even if you are in political disagreement with the current government, it is your responsibility as a citizen to take part,” spokesperson Trevor Oosterwyk said.
“According to the law we can fine people, send them to jail or both.”
A community in Moutse, Limpopo had refused to take part in the census during the week, he said
No one was arrested and the matter was resolved.
Oosterwyk also warned that people should be careful of who they let into their homes.
“There have been incidents in virtually every province of people posing as census workers,” he said.
He reiterated that people should make sure the enumerator had their ID with them before they were let into any home.
The first phase of the census would end on Ocober 31 and would be followed by a two week “mop up”, he said,
“During the mop up officials will make sure everyone has been counted.”
He said that operations were slightly behind schedule but expected progress to improve over the next week. — Sapa