In support of the upcoming 2026 Lesotho Housing and Population Census, Statistics South Africa on Thursday handed over 2750 tablets and 1045 power banks to the Bureau of Statistics (BoS) at the event held in Maseru.
In his acceptance remarks, Minister of Labour and Employment Mr. Ts’eliso Mokhosi expressed appreciation to all partners for making this initiative possible saying Lesotho is in process of 2030 round.
He said statistics is very important as it provides snapshot of who they are as a nation, where they live as well as helps the government to plan effectively for social services, education and health.
He said it monitors progress and development saying without reliable information it becomes difficult for the government to address the needs of the people.
He stated that in the past, census relied on paper, but introduction of digital data brings improved data collection, validation and faster capturing as it is captured and transferred digitally.
He added that it also strengthens the credibility of census results.
He expressed gratitude to the Statistics South Africa for invaluable partnership to strengthen their capacity.
He highlighted that the government of Lesotho deeply appreciates the support in building a data driven future.
He indicated that the gadgets are valuable public assets therefore encouraged all who are going to use them to handle them with care and ensure they are used for census only.
He emphasized that the use of digital technology reaffirms their commitment to reliable, efficient and quality data collection and dissemination.
At the same event, Deputy Director Statistics South Africa Mr. Semakaleng Thulare said as they look forward to intensifying publicity and counting, called upon citizens to participate and provide accurate information as it is a civic duty.
He commended the government of Lesotho saying since 1966, Lesotho has been consistently conducting population census unlike other countries, highlighting it is also the first to enter the 2030 round.
He added that this would help other countries to learn from Lesotho’s experiences as they prepare to conduct their censuses.
He pledged South Africa’s support going forward.
He added that African countries are encouraged to strengthen support when it comes to the census and ensure that no country is left behind as Africa is advancing.
He emphasised that census is not about numbers but people and ensuring every Mosotho is counted, every household visible and guides sustainable development as well as allocation of social services.
Moreover, UNFPA Resident Representative Mr. John Musoti said today is about the shared belief that everyone must be counted.
He said the partnership is very important as everyone brings what has to make this a success saying that sharing knowledge and solidarity is the spirit of south-south cooperation.
“We are supporting countries to conduct a census because we know that a country that counts its nation makes better and informed decisions,” he said.
He said the gadgets are tools to ensure visibility and inclusion saying census is not just statistics they get but stories that enumerators get with which the data will speak as to where clinics and schools are supposed to be and how Lesotho can unlock the lives of its people.
He stressed that this is a very important exercise that the government is going to take which requires support of all.
On the other hand, Director BoS Mrs. ‘Malehloa Molato expressed gratitude to Statistics South Africa for the gesture saying this is going to help gather accurate information effectively and efficiently.
Furthermore, commenting on if this would not lead to South Africa accessing Lesotho’s data, Head of Population Mrs. ‘Matlokotsi Makoa said their security protocol will not allow for South Africa to access their data therefore assuring Basotho that all data acquired will not in any way be tampered with.
Meanwhile, as preparations for the census, BoS is currently holding a two-week training for Constituency supervisors which will be followed by training for Assistant supervisors and enumerators.
2026 Lesotho Housing and Population Census will be on April 12.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
