By
Hon. Narend Singh, MP
Honourable Chairperson,
In today’s constrained political, geographic and socio-economic environment it is of the utmost necessity that we have an unbiased statistical service, whose research staff continually strive for perfection in the measurement and extrapolation of key indicators that will assist and inform the decision making process in this country.
Statistics SA is a tool whose usefulness or harm to the country is solely dependent upon its accuracy. It is therefore of paramount importance that they get it ‘right’ as policy decisions are formed around their figures and extrapolations. Leading the development and coordination of statistical production is under the guidance and leadership of Statistician General whose efforts to date are a credit to this department.
Evidenced-based policy making remains key to this country’s success. However what is also key are the statistics consulted. One can find statistics to support almost any argument. Key would be to know which ones to consult and formulate government policy around.
At this juncture it would be remiss of me not to commend the Statistician – General, through Minister and Department, for their excellent standards of work not only here in South Africa but also on the continent. Their work has become synonymous with excellence and they are a shining example to other government departments in respect of service delivery.
The last census conducted in 2011 was a great success and we trust that the Department and DG’s are busy with their forward planning for the next census which should occur around 2021, and we look forward to hearing from the Minister in this regard.
Honourable Chairperson, an important aspect of any well-functioning department is Staff retention. This is of vital import for the successful continuity of the department and its work and in this respect we trust that the DG’s and various heads of Department continuously identify key individuals and look after them in order to prevent them leaving for more lucrative offers in the private sector.
Honourable Chair, an informed nation is a successful nation! – and in this regard we wholly support the Departments planned expansion of the statistical information base, the development of cutting edge innovation in statistical products and the revolutionizing of current data systems.
The Inkatha Freedom Party commends this Department and supports the budget vote.
I thank you.
Contact: Hon. Narend Singh, MP, on 083 788 5954
IFP Media, Parliament
