October Household Survey [South Africa], 1993 (M876V1)

ABSTRACT: This study is the first October Household Survey (OHS), an annual sample survey investigated by the Central Statistical Service (CSS). The OHS represents an official attempt to provide certain insights into and perspectives on the most important elements on the unemployment profile. The OHS also provides certain perspectives on those who are not (only) accommodated in the formal labour market and are thus (also) active in the so-called informal sector. The purpose of the survey was primarily to fill the gap that resulted from the suspension of the Current Population Survey (CPS) amongst Blacks in 1990 and amongst Indians and Coloureds in 1991 as well as the suspension of the related survey on the informal sector. It is the first time that such a comprehensive household survey has been undertaken by the CSS for the total population of the Republic of South Africa (excluding the TBVC States, i.e. the former homelands). In addition to information on unemployment and the informal sector, the OHS furnishes information on dwellings, households, births, deaths and migration.