03 Mar 2022

Enumerators’  zeal to perform during the census process is critical in as the information gathered will be used as baseline for national development.

The advice was shared by officials in Mochudi and Lobatse this week during the training of prospective enumerators who will be engaged in the 2022 Population and Housing Census exercise scheduled for March 18 to 31 countrywide.

“The success of the project depends on your commitment to learning and mastering the process during the training. As enumerators, you are the medium of linkage between members of the public, household level and government through offices of district commissioner and Statistics Botswana,” stressed Kgatleng District Commissioner, Ms Kolobetso Sejakgomo.

She said the training was meant to ensure that prospective enumerators were well equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to collect good quality census data.

She appealed to them to take the training sessions seriously, read enumerators manual and to seek clarifications.

In that regard, she stated that they should master the electronic questionnaire so they deliver accurate census data.

Bakgatla deputy chief, Kgosi Bana Sekai advised them to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols during the mammoth national exercise.

He encouraged them to adopt a cohesive team spirit and propel the census project to its final closure, while displaying good conduct during home visits especially when  administering questionnaires.

“I want to encourage you to ask questions that will not irritate the elderly such as asking them who they slept with, instead of asking how many people slept in a particular home” he stated.

In Lobatse Deputy District Commissioner Mr Ronald Masole reminded trainees on the importance of their input in the success of the enumeration exercise.

He explained that the census was enshrined in the country’s constitution as an important exercise that facilitated a foundation for democratic representation hence the need for training to equip enumerators with skills to collect good quality census data.

Mr Masole said the census project was postponed in 2021 due to COVID-19, adding that the first was conducted in 1971, while the last was in 2011.

For her part, Statistics Botswana’s deputy national census coordinator, Ms Grace Mphetolang said the 2022 census exercise would be conducted using technological devices and equipment.

“This will improve timeliness, data quality and promote utilisation. The data collected will in the end help guide development thus leading to improved quality of life of the nation,” she added.

In Letlhakane, prospective enumerators were implored to read enumerators manual and seek clarifications as and when the need arise.

The Deputy District Commissioner Mr Ewetse Selelo told the trainees that their selection criterion would be based on best performance, though it did not necessarily mean that those who would not get selected as enumerators would have failed.

“At the end of the training an assessment test will be administered to select those who will be appointed as enumerators,” he said. ENDs