Chairperson, the significance of this department in bettering people's lives cannot be overstated. We rely on the data that this department collects, and it is on the strength of such data that important decisions are made. It is worrying when we have experts and professionals who question the validity of the statistics available, and even more worrying when the department cannot defend the data they have brought forth.
For instance, the remarkable drop in crime statistics is questionable, and questioning them is not necessarily about questioning the department's work ethic and the data collection, but as I said, it is about knowing what informs the numbers, the evidence behind the numbers, so that we can continue doing what is right everywhere in South Africa.
When a police station seems to have a reduction in the number of crimes reported, we need to know what it is that they have done, as crime is a serious problem everywhere in this country. If there are no reasons advanced that support the changes in figures, we are then led into believing that the numbers are cooked and are not necessarily a true reflection of the status quo, and such a likelihood is a serious concern.
An all-important task that was undertaken by the department is Census 2011. Of course, we all hope that now, government agencies and departments will plan better, knowing the figures. It is disturbing, however, that there are reputable demographers that question the accuracy of the census and its data. Even more disturbing is the stance that is seemingly taken by Statistics SA, that of just vouching for the accuracy of the data without addressing the apparent historical discrepancies and contradictions to the current data.
Misuse of statistics can produce subtle, but serious errors in description and interpretation, subtle in the sense that even experienced professionals make such errors and serious in the sense that they can lead to devastating decision-making errors. Social policy, medical practice and the reliability of structures, like bridges, all rely on the proper use of statistics. Even when stats are applied, the results can be difficult to interpret for those lacking expertise. The UCDP supports Budget Vote No 13. Thank you. [Applause.]