{"id":19599,"date":"2026-06-04T14:51:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T12:51:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.statssa.gov.za\/?p=19599"},"modified":"2026-06-04T14:51:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T12:51:22","slug":"media-statement-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.statssa.gov.za\/?p=19599","title":{"rendered":"MEDIA STATEMENT\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u00a0\u00a004 June 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Immediate Release<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stats SA clarifies no association with resurfaced social media warning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has noted the resurfacing of false messages circulating on social media and community WhatsApp groups claiming that scammers posing as government officials are visiting households to verify identity documents or collect biometric information for census-related purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is not a new issue. In October 2025, Stats SA issued a public statement clarifying that the organisation does not conduct door-to-door visits for biometric collection, ID verification, or fingerprint scanning as part of its statistical surveys and censuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, Stats SA is concerned that photographs of a Stats SA fieldworker and an official Stats SA-branded vehicle continue to be used alongside misleading recycled messages, which may endanger the life of the fieldworker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The safety and security of communities is of concern to all of us, and Stats SA encourages members of the public to remain vigilant and to verify the identity and purpose of any individuals seeking access to their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The warning message is unrelated to Stats SA, and the unauthorised use of Stats SA images is misleading, potentially damaging public trust and placing legitimate field staff at risk while they conduct official statistical work in communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to identify genuine Stats SA fieldworkers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

All fieldworkers carry official photo ID cards and signed approach letters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They wear Stats SA-branded attire, including t-shirts, bibs, and caps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They operate official vehicles branded with the Stats SA logo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The public is encouraged to verify the legitimacy of fieldworkers by using the verification tool available on the Stats SA website at https:\/\/www.statssa.gov.za\/?page_id=17709<\/a>; contacting the Call Centre on 0800 110 248; <\/strong>or contacting their nearest provincial or district office.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Suspicious activity should be reported to the nearest police station and brought to Stats SA\u2019s attention via its social media platforms or Call Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stats SA is currently in the field conducting the following surveys:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (April 2026-March 2027)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Collected quarterly)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General Household Survey (January-December)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Domestic Tourism Survey (January-December)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consumer Price Index (Collected monthly)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Issued by:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statistics South Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For media inquiries, please contact:<\/strong> Sivuyile Mangxamba:  Cell:<\/strong>0828882372: Email: <\/strong>SivuyileMA@statssa.gov.za<\/a>: <\/strong>Felicia Sithole Cell:<\/strong> 0764300693 Email:<\/strong> felicias@statssa.gov.za<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow us on social media: Facebook<\/strong>: Stats SA<\/a>; X<\/strong>: @StatsSA<\/a>; LinkedIn<\/strong>: <\/strong>Statistics South Africa<\/a>; YouTube<\/strong>: TheStatisticsSA<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0\u00a004 June 2026 For Immediate Release Stats SA clarifies no association with resurfaced social media warning Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has noted the resurfacing of false messages circulating on social media and community WhatsApp groups claiming that scammers posing as government officials are visiting households to verify identity documents or collect biometric information for   read more »<\/a><\/p>\n

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