The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has condemned any form of harassment and non-collaboration with census enumerators, particularly on farms.
In a statement issued by NAU spokesperson Tanja Dahl, the organisation urged its members to cooperate with enumerators and to report any incidents of harassment as a matter of urgency.
This comes in light of several reports and videos circulating on social media depicting the harassment of enumerators involved in the census.
The population and housing census is an extensive survey designed to collect essential data on the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of Namibia.
The union has also explicitly distanced itself from any actions involving the harassment of enumerators.
“Such behaviour goes against the principles of professionalism and respect that the NAU upholds in the execution of its duties,” said Dahl.
She said NAU is in regular contact with its members as well as the Namibia Statistic Agency as and when matters arise, so that these can be addressed and resolved swiftly.
“Furthermore, we unequivocally condemn any form of harassment and non-collaboration.
“The individuals appointed by the NSA are acting dedicated public servants carrying out their duties to collect essential data that contributes to the overall development of our nation,” Dahl said in the statement.
She further said the harassment of enumerators undermines the integrity of the Population and Housing Census and does not contribute to the betterment of society.
“It hinders the collection of accurate data, which is vital for informed decision-making and equitable resource distribution.
“We urge our members to cooperate with enumerators and to report any incidents of harassment promptly.
It is crucial for the success of the census and the well-being of our communities that enumerators can carry out their duties without fear or intimidation,” Dahl said.
The spokesperson also said in light of the current crime situation on farms, the NAU requests enumerators to also act professionally and sensibly to achieve effective data recording.
Commenting on the issue, NSA spokesperson Iipumbu Sakaria yesterday said the agency was aware of the incidents, and that they mostly take place at remote farms and high-end residential areas.
He, however, described them as being isolated and not indicative of the majority of people.
Most households are playing their part in being counted, he said.
Sakaria said the agency was engaging the relevant people and their umbrella bodies to cooperate and educate the public on the aims of the census.
“We inform them that it is mandatory to be counted if one has spent the reference night in Namibia, and also make them understand our enumerators are legally there and well trained to administer the questionnaire,” Sakaria said.
He said people are also informed of the consequences of not taking part in the census.
Sakaria ruled out the possibility of incidents of harrassment distorting results.
“Everyone must and will be counted. As indicated, those are extremely few and isolated cases and form a highly insignificant number compared to the people who do respond,” he said.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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