Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), the governmental body charged with “improving lives through data ecosystems” in the country, has announced an extension to its job portal closing date to accommodate Matrics from 2021.

“The closing date for the HR Registration Database, used to identify contract staff for all [Stats SA] projects, has been extended to 31 Jan 2022 to give the 2021 matriculants a chance to apply for work opportunities,” an announcement reads. 

The 2021 exam results are due to be released on 21st January which leaves Matrics with more than a week to put themselves into the database for potential job openings.

But what will this new batch of Matrics – and anyone else applying – be doing at Stats SA?

The areas of work fall into five categories: fieldwork / data collection, data capturing, data processing, Supervisory and clerical & administrative.

The reason jobs are opening up now is in anticipation of the 2022 census, an important part of South Africa’s planning data that Stats SA is in charge of.

The 2022 population and housing census is planned to be carried out across February and March.

“The Census Night will be on 2 February 2022 where fieldworkers will enumerate the homeless, the transient population, those in communal living quarters such as hotels, B&Bs, hospitals, correctional centres, old age homes etc. A census is the total count of a population whereby all people – including children, babies, homeless people and foreign nationals within the borders of a country – are counted. A census collects data about a country’s socio-economic dynamics – people’s living conditions, access to basic services, income, etc,” reads the official description.

It is this vast undertaking that applicants will be involved in should they be chosen.

Aside from finishing Matric applicants will also need to be proficient in one of the 11 South African languages, be free of a criminal record and be willing to work outside of regular “office” hours.

Those who would like to register on the database with the opportunity of being hired for work can find more details on the HR Registration Database splashpage here. 

Those who find themselves stuck in the process can contact the toll-free number of 0800 110 248.