Post-enumeration Survey (PES) - Statistics South Africa

Statistics South Africa
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3. DATA COLLECTION
PES data collection commenced immediately after the completion of census fieldwork. The PES is a
much smaller scale operation (and hence easier to control) than the census. These features enable the
PES to deliver a more accurate estimate of the percentage of people and dwellings missed by the
census. PES data collection (field operations) was independent from census operations and the
following measures were taken to maintain the operational independence of the PES:
• independent listing of enumeration areas (EAs) in the PES sample;
• using separate/independent office staff in the PES and census where possible;
• ensuring the PES interviewers were not employed as census field staff in the same area, and vice
versa; and
• maintaining the confidentiality of the PES sample so that census field and office staff were not aware
which areas are included in the PES.
This chapter summarises the processes that were carried out in preparation for, and during PES
fieldwork operations.
3.1 Logistical arrangements
Logistical arrangements involved the procurement of fieldwork materials (quantities were based on
sample size and distribution), which included print material (questionnaires, training manuals and
publicity material), field gear, stationery, vehicles and other resources. Once these materials had been
received from service providers, they were stored and packaged into consignments in preparation for
dispatch to the provinces. Training manuals and fieldwork materials, including questionnaires and field
gear, were dispatched to the provinces in preparation for provincial training and data collection by the
courier company. Questionnaires and EA Summary Books were captured on the Census and Survey
Administration System (CSAS) for tracking purposes.
3.2 Recruitment and training of field staff
For fieldwork purposes, temporary personnel (Fieldworkers and Fieldwork Supervisors) were recruited
from the EAs/districts in which they would be working and underwent rigorous training on fieldwork
procedures to ensure that they deliver work of high quality at the end of the fieldwork phase.
Experienced permanent staff members from Household Surveys (based in provincial offices) were
seconded to the project for the duration of data collection in supervisory positions to ensure high-quality
data and minimise costs. These staff members fulfilled the roles of Provincial Survey Coordinator,
District Survey Coordinator, Quality Assurance Monitor and District Logistics Officer. The reporting
structure for data collection in each province is illustrated in the diagram below:
Post Enumeration Survey (PES)