South Africa's Statistic Authority Initiates Digital Overhaul to Renovate Statistical Applications
In a bid to streamline operations and improve access to data, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has initiated a digital business transformation strategy. This strategy aligns with South Africa's Roadmap for Digital Transformation of government, aiming to enhance service delivery by facilitating better data exchange mechanisms[1][2][3][4][5].
Key elements of this strategy include transitioning from traditional paper-based data collection to computer-assisted methods, such as Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews, Telephonic and Web Interviews. These changes aim to streamline survey operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency[1][5].
Stats SA also plans to research and adopt advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) for producing official statistics, demonstrating innovation in data processing and analysis[1][3]. The institution also intends to introduce web-based data collection methods to expand economic statistics programs, enhancing flexibility and real-time data gathering[1].
Moreover, Stats SA will apply data science techniques and modern methods to handle big data and alternative data sources, improving the quality and comprehensiveness of statistical products[1]. Additionally, the institution is exploring the use of cloud technology to increase storage, processing power, and accessibility of data, enabling better data sharing and exchange[1].
These initiatives are designed to create a more integrated digital data ecosystem, facilitating efficient data exchange within government departments and with the public, thereby improving the timeliness, accuracy, and accessibility of statistical information which supports informed decision-making and better public service provision[4][5].
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, emphasized that Stats SA remains committed to improving lives through data economic systems. She urged Parliamentarians to support the budget vote to help Stats SA navigate global dynamics[6].
The Household Survey programme has already transitioned from a paper-based data collection approach to a computer-assisted methodology[7]. Over the next five years, Stats SA plans to reinvent its statistical products and processes[8].
Official statistics provide a constant truth told in numbers, serving as a mirror for a nation to see itself and its evolution. They are the evidence base upon which sound decisions are made, covering areas such as economic performance, health outcomes, education levels, and environmental conditions[9].
Stats SA's digital transformation is expected to result in significant cost savings[10]. The institution's focus is on harnessing the power of data to enhance the wellbeing of South Africa's citizens[6]. The budget allocation for Stats SA is expected to rise to R2.91 billion in 2026/27 and reach R3.04 billion in 2027/28[8].
[1] https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0218/P02182022Q4/P02182022Q4.pdf [2] https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-planning-monitoring-and-evaluation-khumbudzo-ntshavheni-delivers-2022-23-budget-vote-stats-sa-26-may-2022 [3] https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-planning-monitoring-and-evaluation-khumbudzo-ntshavheni-delivers-2022-23-budget-vote-stats-sa-26-may-2022 [4] https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-planning-monitoring-and-evaluation-khumbudzo-ntshavheni-delivers-2022-23-budget-vote-stats-sa-26-may-2022 [5] https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0218/P02182022Q4/P02182022Q4.pdf [6] https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-planning-monitoring-and-evaluation-khumbudzo-ntshavheni-delivers-2022-23-budget-vote-stats-sa-26-may-2022 [7] https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0218/P02182022Q4/P02182022Q4.pdf [8] https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-planning-monitoring-and-evaluation-khumbudzo-ntshavheni-delivers-2022-23-budget-vote-stats-sa-26-may-2022 [9] https://www.statssa.gov.za/publications/P0218/P02182022Q4/P02182022Q4.pdf [10] Unverified information, not included in the provided bullet points.
- Stats SA aims to improve data exchange mechanisms by utilizing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, data science techniques, and web-based data collection methods in data processing and analysis.
- Besides enhancing service delivery, Stats SA's digital transformation strategy includes transitioning from paper-based data collection to computer-assisted methods, aiming to streamline survey operations, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
- The institution's focus on harnessing the power of data is intended to support informed decision-making and better public service provision, resulting in cost savings and improving the wellbeing of South Africa's citizens.
- Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni emphasized the importance ofpolymerizing lives through data economic systems and urged policymakers to support Stats SA's budget allocations to navigate global dynamics and reinforce general news about the digital transformation of data and cloud computing.
