First poverty level survey

from the Times

Xolile Bhengu

In September, 30000 households will participate in the first Statistics South Africa in-depth poverty levels survey.

The Stats SA Living Conditions Survey will use randomly selected homes that will represent all races, ages and incomes.

Results are scheduled for release in the first half of 2010.

Trevor Oosterwyk, Stats SA communications manager, said the purpose of the survey was the statistical agency’s contribution to the understanding of the decade- long debate of the definitions of poverty in South Africa.

He said there was no extensive data to determine levels of poverty.

Oosterwyk said: “Some African countries, Brazil and China have run similar surveys, but this is the largest sample of living standards in the world.

“In South Africa, there has never been data that can answer simple questions, such as what do people have that makes them poor?

“We are hoping the survey will be able to answer questions such as access to basic services in education, health and housing, and sustainable jobs.”

The data will also help government departments and the private and public sectors to determine the effects of poverty alleviation interventions.