21 June 2001
MECs
Members of the Provincial Legislature
Mayors
Distinguished guests
On 10 October 2001, South Africa will undertake its second census since the advent of our new democracy. The census will provide government and society as a whole with important demographic information on which we rely in determining the allocation of resources to better the quality of life of all the citizens.
This year's census should also provide us more accurate scientific information to measure the impact of HIV/Aids on our health system, education, human resources and the economy. Our current programmes have been designed to address the challenges and backlogs highlighted by the last census. The last census revealed the following facts about Gauteng:
The census also revealed that while we have many people with access to water, electricity, sanitation and houses, there were still people especially Africans with no access to these basic amenities.
Other studies have also revealed that Gauteng contribute 60% of the fiscal revenue, and accounts for 40% and 9% of the country and continent's GDP respectively.
Our programme of building clinics, houses, schools, roads and other infrastructure is aimed at addressing the backlogs shown in the census figures.
The social security grants including among others, old age pension grants, the child support grant and the disability grants are aimed at addressing the plight of the poor and those living with disabilities in our province.
The importance of the census also lies in the fact that it will help us see whether our efforts since 1994 have paid off. It will tell us whether we have been able to reduce unemployment, what impact our housing programme has had on the housing backlog and whether we have reduced the levels of poverty, increased the levels of skills and access to education and health care.
For the newly established local government structures, this year's census is even more important. It will be help them to know the number of people in their municipalities, their needs, levels of poverty and how many of them still do not have access to basic services such as water and electricity and other amenities. Knowing the income levels of the population will help business people to design products and services in accordance with the levels of affordability.
We call on all political parties, NGOs, trade unions, employer organizations, social and civic movements, sporting bodies, government institutions and communities to actively encourage the citizens to take part in this important process. All the citizens must ensure that they are counted so as to help us know the state of our province as well as the needs of our citizens.
Thank you