Pretoria: The implementation of the Statistics Amendment Act by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has opened a new era of data collection and strengthened the overall integrity of the national data ecosystem since it came into effect last October.

According to South African Government News Agency, Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli led the presentation of Stats SA's third quarterly report for the 2025/26 financial year before Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation on Wednesday. Mhlauli highlighted that the legislation enhances coordination of statistical production across government, providing a framework for collaboration among data producers. This amendment aims to improve the quality, consistency, and credibility of statistics produced across the state, enabling more datasets to achieve official statistical status.

Mhlauli emphasized the resilience and strong institutional performance of Stats SA despite facing financial and human resource constraints. The organisation has achieved over 90% of its planned targets since the beginning of the financial year. However, she noted ongoing financial pressures affecting the vacancy rate and employment equity targets, stressing the importance of maintaining a robust statistical system for economic governance and democratic accountability.

In discussing South Africa's economic environment, Mhlauli noted that the 2025/26 financial year marks a pivotal moment in the country's fiscal and developmental trajectory. Public finances are stabilising after a period of sluggish economic growth, with progress toward stabilising the national debt and narrowing the budget deficit. The 2025/26 Budget reflects a commitment to structural reforms and investment in key sectors such as education, healthcare, and municipal development, aligning with medium-term priorities of inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

Mhlauli concluded by highlighting the critical role of Stats SA in navigating this strategic turning point, as the organisation provides the evidence base for data-informed decision-making. Stats SA plays an essential role in measuring developmental progress, enabling government to monitor economic performance and evaluate policy outcomes with credible data.