Census 2011 is underway, and already thousands of yellow-bibbed enumerators have been dispatched around the country to gather survey data. This has been followed by plenty of griping in the media regarding safety issues, con artists and the alleged violation of their homes by strangers.

Census 2011 officials have responded again and again that it is easy to verify the credentials of census workers, and there are several basic guidelines to follow to ensure no-one’s security need be breached during the census.

As it turns out, it’s not just those of us being counted at risk, as census enumerators are reporting a variety of experiences as they canvas the streets and suburbs assigned to them.

Female Census 2011 workers in Pretoria have reported that they fear for their safety entering some homes, claiming that sometimes, men in the houses attempt to lure them inside with promises of cash and alcohol and make “sex or love advances” to them.

Said one, who wished to remain anonymous:

I always ensure I am accompanied by either a friend or family member on evening visits. With the high rate of unemployment and drug and alcohol abuse, it is difficult to feel safe when entering some of the properties in the area.

It’s not all opportunistic sex pests however, as some census enumerators have submitted glowing reports from their home visits, many being welcomed inside by bored housewives and offered breakfast or lunch. The key seems to be adequate preparation: one enumerator reported he had pre-canvassed all his assigned homes to introduce himself and drop off forms. When he returned to conduct the interviews later, he reported warm welcomes.

The current census runs until the 31st October, and if you’re concerned about census safety and who your enumerator will be, visit the Census 2011 website [here].

[Source: TIMES Live]