Stats SA gifts Lesotho digital tablets for 2026 census

BOKANG MOSHOESHOE

MASERU – Lesotho Bureau of Statistics has received a technological boost from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA)—a donation of 2,750 digital tablets.

The devices with over 1000 power banks were handed over to the Ministry of Development Planning – a move aimed at strengthening preparations for the upcoming 2026 Population and Housing Census scheduled for April 2026.

The donation is expected to significantly enhance Lesotho’s ability to conduct the census using digital technology and render accurate statistics.

John Kennedy Mosoti from the United Nations Population Fund described the initiative as a major step forward in strengthening the country’s national statistical system expressing appreciation to all partners who contributed to making the initiative possible.

“A census provides a comprehensive snapshot of who the nation is, how many people the nation has, where they live and the conditions under which they live as a nation that counts its people is a nation that values its people,” Mosoti said.

He explained that the information generated through the census forms the backbone of national planning and development because it enables government and stakeholders to plan effectively in areas such as education, health, housing and social services, while also ensuring fair and efficient allocation of resources across communities.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Tseliso Mokhosi said the government of Lesotho appreciates the strong partnership demonstrated through the donation.

“The Government of Lesotho extends its sincere appreciation to Statistics South Africa for its generous support and valuable partnership in strengthening our national statistical capacity as we prepare for the upcoming census. These tablets are valuable public assets provided for a specific national purpose. We encourage all officials, supervisors and enumerators who will be using these devices to handle them responsibly and ensure they are used strictly for census activities,” he stated.

Thulare Semakaleng, Statistician General at STATS SA said the handover represents an important milestone in the modernization of census data collection for Lesotho.

“Today’s handover of tablets and power banks represents a significant milestone in the modernization of census data collection across Lesotho. At Statistics South Africa, we recognise the importance of strong partnerships among national statistical offices in Africa. By working together and sharing expertise and resources, we are able to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of statistical systems across the continent,” Semakaleng explained.

The 2026 Population and Housing Census is regarded as one of the most important national exercises in Lesotho as it will generate updated statistics on the country’s population size, distribution and living conditions.

The Bureau of Statistics (Lesotho) explained that the census forms the backbone of the national statistical system, providing the master sample frame used in surveys conducted by government ministries, departments and agencies.

Authorities say the data collected will also provide detailed information disaggregated by gender, disability status and age groups, including children, which is essential for effective policy formulation and improved service delivery. The information will further support government institutions and development partners in monitoring and evaluating population-related programmes while ensuring that interventions are guided by accurate evidence.