East London - Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet has urged South African citizens to provide accurate, truthful and honest information to Stats SA officials who are currently conducting the 2011 Census count.
Kiviet was addressing media at the Bhisho State House office after being counted by Census enumerators on Monday.
"This process can only assist government if everyone gives honest information. There is a detailed questionnaire that will provide government with adequate data to do planning for our country's future. People should participate fully in this process," said Kiviet.
Stats SA executive manager in the Eastern Cape, Zandisile Nkosiyane, said plans were in place to ensure a successful count for 2011.
He said every precaution had been made to ensure that criminal elements did not use the Census count to rob households.
"Our officials are identifiable by a yellow uniform, yellow cap, a bib with Stats SA Census written on it and an identity card. We have also hired people to do the count in the areas they live in, so they will not be strangers to their communities," said Nkosiyane.
Kiviet urged the province's people to open their homes to Census officials and to co-operate with them.
"They are not doing this for themselves but for the good of the country. Let us all welcome them into our homes and be patient with them," she said.
To verify an enumerator's authenticity, you can dial the toll free number 0800 110 248.
