Critical information is needed for decision making at all levels. In response to this
need, questions such as “How many, who, what and where….?”, compels Statistics SA
(Stats SA) to establish a good geographical frame that will assist in data collection using
Geographical Information System (GIS) technology.
Enumeration Areas (EAs) are fundamental to both the statistical area structure,
and to the census management area structure. In their creation, it is vital to ensure that
they adhere to certain standards. These standards include, among others, the following:
• EAs should cover all areas of the country, i.e. no gaps between EAs.
• EAs should be accessible and of such a size that field workers can carry out
their tasks within the stipulated period of census taking.
• EAs should be as homogeneous in land use as possible.
• Dissemination objectives also require taking into account the demand for
small area data, the confidentiality of personal information and the ability to
be aggregated to present information on larger geographic units (UN
Handbook, 2006).
The main aim of this paper is to look at the challenges encountered in the
creation of EAs, while simultaneously trying to accommodate all the requirements. These
challenges stem from methodological changes; accommodating for the physical
landscape, discrepancies in available spatial data from different sources, the lack of
spatial data in large areas, the unavailability of recent imagery and above all, keeping up
with the ever-changing dynamics of the country.