The African National Congress (ANC) noted that the 2022 Census Report highlights numerous achievements that instil hope and demonstrate that the ANC is a “working organisation” that is committed to the nation's growth and development.

Statistics South Africa released the fourth census of the democratic era on Tuesday.

The ANC said its reflection and assessment of its performance since the 2019 national elections reaffirmed its commitment to South Africans.

“Through the 2019 Election Manifesto Review, we have been traversing the length and breadth of the country, engaging with citizens and reflecting on the progress made since the last election. This critical programme enables the ANC to evaluate its 'better life for all' agenda. The 2022 Census Report provides a comprehensive, qualitative, and quantitative answer,” the party said.

The ANC said it was under no illusions that South Africa faced several urgent challenges such as corruption, electricity supply issues, poverty and unemployment.

It said to tackle these issues, progress was being made to strengthen the National Prosecuting Authority, the Independent Directorate, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.

“Additionally, we have implemented strict criteria for selecting candidates for leadership positions, intervening in local government issues, and creating a resilient economy that responds to the needs of our people,” the ANC said.

The report confirmed that significant progress had been made in building a new South Africa, the party added.

“The percentage of households that live in formal dwellings increased from 65.1% in 2011 to 88.5% in 2022. The percentage of households with access to electricity increased from 58% in 1996 to 94.7% in 2022. This means that 94% of the country now has access to electricity, which is a significant achievement considering our nascent democracy and the competing needs of the developmental state. The percentage of households without access to piped water decreased from 19.7% in 1996 to 8.7% in 2022,” the ANC highlighted.

It recognised the need to improve service delivery, especially considering the significant population growth, and as a result the party said its fifty-fifth National Conference resolved to strengthen political and administrative institutions to deliver on their mandates. This includes building effective integrated planning and service delivery systems, the party added.

It was adamant that the Census Report disproved the idea that the party had failed South Africans and that the country was in decline. The ANC believes the report, instead, highlights its “significant strides” since the 2019 elections.

“We are determined to build on this progress and do more faster. We are working tirelessly to renew our organisation and advance our societal transformation agenda. With the 2022 Census Report as evidence of our progress, we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating a better, more prosperous, and more just South Africa. The Census Report is a promising pathway and it reveals remarkable progress towards a united, prosperous South Africa,” the ANC said.