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Statistics South Africa is forging ahead with Census 2011 preparations; a logistical nightmare for any country.

As from 24 September to 2 October 2011, Statistics South Africa will embark on the mammoth task of training 120 000 fieldworkers across the country using 3000 venues.

However, Statistics South Africa has experienced challenges in the recruitment, the listing of dwelling units as a result of not receiving vehicles on time from service providers.

“We have experienced some teething problems in areas of recruitment and supply chain logistics, as any operation of this magnitude would do,” said Statistician-General Pali Lehohla.

Listing, the recording in a register of all dwelling units and other structures within an enumeration area (EA), got off to a slow start because of delays in getting vehicles on time from service providers.

Statistics South Africa is confident that all the required vehicles will be available when the big count starts on 10 October 2011.

“The logistics of a census do not only strain the resources of the organisation, but those of service providers as well,” said Lehohla, adding that Statistics South Africa was negotiating directly with motor manufacturers to have access to the required number of vehicles.

Some of the vehicles the statistical agency did not receive on time were 400 4x2 vehicles needed in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, where the terrain is often inaccessible.