The Hon. Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, Deputy Minister in The Presidency 2026/2027 Budget Vote Debate Speech on the occasion of Stats SA Budget Vote Debate

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

Honourable Chair of the session,
Minister in the Presidency, Honourable Ntshavheni
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Honourable Morolong
Honourable Chairperson and Members of the Portfolio Committee
Honorable Members
Distinguished Guests
Fellow South Africans;

This year marks two significant milestones in our democratic journey: 30 years of our Constitution and 30 years since South Africa conducted its first democratic Census in 1996.

Both were foundational acts of nation-building.

The Constitution gave us a democratic framework rooted in human dignity, equality and freedom. The Census gave us, for the first time, a complete and inclusive picture of all the people of South Africa. Together, they affirmed a simple but powerful principle: every person counts, and every person matters.

Over the past three decades, under the leadership of the African National Congress, we have consolidated our democracy and built strong institutions that serve the public interest. Statistics South Africa is one of those institutions.

Stats-SA has become a trusted national asset. Its work allows us to measure progress, identify challenges and plan with confidence. It helps government direct resources where they are needed most, and ensures that our decisions are guided by facts rather than assumptions.

As we look to the future, the importance of credible and independent statistics will only grow. In a complex and rapidly changing world, South Africa needs reliable data to drive inclusive growth, create jobs, reduce poverty and build a capable state.

It is therefore my honour to support the Minister in the Presidency in presenting the Budget Vote of Statistics South Africa.

Honourable Members,

Just yesterday, Stats-SA released the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) which is one of its key products measuring the employment and unemployment rate of our country. While we would have previously recorded four consecutive economic growth numbers in the past year, yesterday's numbers indicate that much more needs to be done to ensure faster and more inclusive economic growth to improve the lives of all South Africans.

That is why the role of Stats SA is indispensable.

By producing accurate, objective and timely statistics, Stats SA provides the evidence base needed for sound policymaking and democratic accountability. From inflation and economic growth to poverty, employment and population trends, the organisation supplies information that is used daily by government, business, labour and ordinary citizens.

The credibility of this work depends on the institutional independence of Statistics South Africa.

This independence is protected by the Statistics Act and remains non-negotiable. Official statistics must be free from political or external interference. South Africans must have complete confidence that the numbers released by Stats SA are impartial, professional and trustworthy.

Honourable Members,

The South African Statistics Council plays an important role in safeguarding this credibility.

As a statutory advisory body established under the Statistics Act, the Council provides independent oversight and advice to both the Minister and the Statistician-General. It promotes the quality, relevance and integrity of official statistics.

We are pleased that the Council has endorsed the Work Programme of Stats SA for the 2026/27 financial year.

At the same time, the Council has raised concerns about financial pressures facing the organisation. These challenges must be addressed to ensure that the quality and sustainability of our national statistics are not compromised.

Honourable Chairperson,

The 2026/27 financial year marks the second year of implementing Stats SA's strategic plan.

The organisation will focus on five priorities:

Priority One: Sustaining and Protecting the Quality of National Indicators -

The demand for reliable statistics continues to grow. Yet fiscal constraints make it increasingly difficult to expand statistical operations at the pace required.

Despite these challenges, Stats SA remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and methodological rigour.

During this financial year, the organisation will publish 299 statistical products covering the economy, society, population and environment.

These include key indicators such as the Consumer Price Index and Gross Domestic Product, which are essential for economic planning and business confidence.

Stats SA will also continue to publish data on poverty, inequality, employment and living conditions. These statistics are vital in guiding government interventions aimed at overcoming the legacy of apartheid and improving the lives of the poor, especially black African women, who remain disproportionately affected by poverty and unemployment.

Priority Two Focuses on Driving Legislative and Statistical Reform -

The Statistics Amendment Act, 2024, which came into effect in October 2025, strengthens the authority of the Statistician-General to coordinate the National Statistical System.

This reform will improve collaboration and data sharing across government and with strategic partners, including SARS, the South African Reserve Bank, the Department of Home Affairs and institutions of higher learning.

A more integrated data ecosystem will improve efficiency, reduce duplication and ensure that decision-makers have access to credible and consistent information.

Priority Three: Modernising and innovating the operating model -

Stats SA is redesigning its household survey programme through the introduction of a continuous population survey.

The organisation is also expanding web-based data collection for business surveys.

These innovations will improve the timeliness, efficiency and responsiveness of official statistics while reducing costs and administrative burden.

Priority Four: Driving digital transformation -

Digital transformation is essential to building a future-ready statistical office.
Stats SA will continue investing in technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning to modernise data collection, processing and analysis.

These tools will strengthen analytical capability and improve the quality and speed of statistical production.

Priority Five: Investing in skills development -

No institution can succeed without skilled and motivated people.

Stats SA will continue to build expertise in data science, digital tools, survey methodology and emerging statistical techniques.

This investment in human capital will strengthen institutional resilience and ensure that South Africa remains at the forefront of statistical innovation.

Honourable Members,

As the data landscape evolves, Stats SA is assuming a broader role as a national data steward.

This means guiding the country's data strategy, setting standards, promoting safe data sharing and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical requirements.

It also means acting as a trusted bridge between data producers, custodians and users.
By fulfilling this stewardship role, Stats SA will help South Africa harness data more effectively while protecting confidentiality and maintaining public trust.

Honourable Chairperson,

We are mindful of the financial pressures facing the organisation.

Modern statistical systems require sustained investment in technology, infrastructure and human capability.

Stats SA is working with National Treasury and exploring alternative funding models to safeguard the quality and continuity of official statistics.

This is not simply a budget matter.

It is an investment in democracy.

When our statistics are credible, our policies are stronger, our institutions are more accountable and our development efforts are more effective.

Thirty years ago, South Africa chose constitutional democracy and committed itself to building a society based on justice, equality and opportunity.

Thirty years ago, through our first democratic Census, we committed ourselves to counting every person and understanding the realities of our nation.

Today, we reaffirm that commitment.

We reaffirm that facts matter.

We reaffirm that institutions matter.

And we reaffirm that every South African counts.

Let us continue to support the Statistician-General, Mr Risenga Maluleke, the dedicated staff of Statistics South Africa, and the South African Statistics Council under the leadership of Dr Nompumelelo Nzimande-Mbele.

Together, we will ensure that South Africa remains guided by evidence, strengthened by democratic institutions and united in our pursuit of inclusive development.

Before I sit down chair, I would like to extend warm greetings to Taxation and Statics students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology who are present here at the debate, Bandile Nkosi Olwethu Mfobo, Ayabulela Sikrweqe, Boniswa Oreeditse Mpisani and Sibahle Ngqoko.

I thank you.