Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) statistician general Alex Shimuafeni has denied government interference in delaying the release of unemployment statistics.
The NSA was served a letter of demand last week after the agency published the 2023 census results without employment statistics.
Shimuafeni, however, denied political interference in the release of these statistics.
He told The Namibian yesterday that the NSA does not receive instructions on when data should be released.
“The impartial release of statistics means the data is released at the same time to everyone – just like we’ve been doing and will continue to do.
“The NSA does not, and has never, consulted or shared data prior to its release with any stakeholder, irrespective of who it is. All releases happen at the same time to all stakeholders,” he said.
The Economic Policy Research Association (Epra), through its legal representative Eben de Klerk on Thursday challenged the NSA to release the country’s unemployment statistics within 10 days.
De Klerk said if the data is not released within the stipulated time frame, Epra’s management committee reserves the right to seek legal action by approaching the High Court.
“The NSA’s decision to withhold this critical data breaches these principles and undermines public confidence. The timing of this delay raises suspicions of political motives, undermining the NSA’s impartiality,” he said.
De Klerk said the delay suggests political interference.
Meanwhile, Shimuafeni said the labour force report will be released on 29 January.
It has not been delayed, he said.
Shimuafeni said labour statistics are not the only statistics that are not part of the 2023 census’ main report.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
