Statistics SA has repeatedly missed crucial deadlines in releasing national data, raising concerns about the credibility of its figures.But the agency says it is being "decimated" by a high number of vacancies in key posts and has raised the matter with the Treasury. Stats SA is the custodian of vital national data. It has missed three deadlines this year and last year postponed data releases twice. The postponements related to quarterly employment statistics - a survey measuring employment in the formal sector - and the quarterly labour force survey, which includes formal and informal data. The reliability and consistency of Stats SA data are essential for planning, including the Reserve Bank's determination on interest rates. Several senior officials have resigned or retired, leaving the organisation with gaps in 330 critical posts. These include mathematicians and managers. It is essential that the agency fills at least 230 vacancies, Pali Lehohla, the statistician-general, said ...
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