Ntshavheni
By Mpho Moloi
In a rapidly evolving world, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) is stepping into the future with bold plans for digital transformation. Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, outlined the institution’s vision when she tabled its Budget Vote in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon. The move aims to improve service delivery, enhance data accuracy, and uplift the lives of South Africans through cutting-edge technology.
A New Era of Digital Transformation
Stats SA is on a mission to modernise how it collects and processes data. “This strategy aligns with South Africa’s Roadmap for Digital Transformation of government that aims to, amongst others, enhance data exchange for improved access to information for improved service delivery,” Ntshavheni explained. The journey has already begun with the Household Survey programme, which has shifted from paper-based methods to a computer-assisted approach. This change has streamlined operations and delivered significant cost savings.
Over the next five years, Stats SA plans to “reinvent its statistical products and processes”. The focus is on making data collection faster, more accurate, and easier to use. “The shift to digital platforms is designed to streamline survey operations, making it more efficient and user-friendly,” the Minister added. This transformation is not just about technology—it’s about building a system that serves South Africans better.
Key Initiatives Driving the Change
Stats SA has outlined several exciting projects to bring this vision to life. These medium-term initiatives include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Researching how AI can improve the production of official statistics, making data analysis smarter and more reliable.
- Web-Based Data Collection: Introducing online methods for economic statistics programmes, reducing paperwork and speeding up results.
- Big Data and Data Science: Applying modern techniques to big data and alternative sources, unlocking new insights for decision-making.
- Cloud Technology: Exploring cloud solutions to store and manage data securely and efficiently.
These steps show Stats SA’s commitment to staying ahead in a fast-changing digital world. By adopting these tools, the institution aims to provide high-quality statistics that reflect South Africa’s realities.
Budget Breakdown: Funding the Future
To make this transformation possible, Stats SA needs financial support. Ntshavheni revealed the budget allocations: R2.7 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, rising to R2.91 billion in 2026/27, and reaching R3.04 billion in 2027/28. This funding will power the shift to digital systems and ensure Stats SA can meet its goals.
The Minister called on Parliamentarians to back the budget vote. “It is important to support this budget vote because we are navigating a path in a world that is undergoing rapid and profound changes, and this is equally true in the realm of statistics,” she urged. With global challenges like climate change, AI advancements, and digital economies reshaping society, Stats SA’s work is more critical than ever.
Why Statistics Matter
Official statistics are more than just numbers—they tell South Africa’s story. “In a world defined by rapid change, complex challenges and competing narratives, official statistics provides us with one constant: the truth told in numbers,” Ntshsorry Angolan Ntshavheni said. “They serve as a mirror through which a nation sees itself not just as it is but how it’s evolving.”
From tracking economic growth to monitoring health, education, and the environment, statistics are the backbone of informed decision-making. They help leaders address inequality—South Africa remains the world’s most unequal country, where 10% of the population owns over 80% of the wealth—and guide policies that improve lives.
Tackling Global Challenges
Ntshavheni highlighted the global shifts shaping the future, from climate change to the rise of digital economies and political tensions. “By accurately capturing and analysing these trends, we can better equip ourselves to respond to the challenges and opportunities they present—ensuring that our nation remains resilient and forward-thinking in this ever-evolving landscape,” she emphasised.
Stats SA’s digital plans align with broader government efforts, like the National Development Plan, which aims to reduce poverty and inequality by 2030. Reliable data will be key to tracking progress and ensuring accountability.
Improving Lives Through Data
The Minister reaffirmed Stats SA’s dedication to its mission. “Stats SA remains unwavering in its commitment to the strategy of improving lives through data economic systems,” she said. By harnessing technology, the institution wants to turn raw data into actionable insights that boost citizens’ well-being.
For example, digital tools could help identify areas needing better healthcare or education services. They could also support small businesses by providing up-to-date economic trends, fostering growth and job creation.
A Call to Action
Ntshavheni’s message was clear: supporting Stats SA’s budget is an investment in South Africa’s future. “As the landscape of information technology and data analytics continues to transform, our focus is on harnessing the power of data to enhance the wellbeing of our citizens,” she concluded.
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