A R600-million community survey which will collect demographic, geographic, social and economic data was launched by Finance Minister Trevor Manuel on Monday.

The survey, the first of its kind in South Africa, is the largest household survey after the censor survey in 2001.

"It is important for people to understand the value of this community survey," Manuel said.

The survey will start on 7 February. Stats SA hopes to publish the results by October.

Manuel encouraged all South Africans who would be participating in the survey to share knowledge of their households and of themselves.

"This allows the government to provide services and to plan so that we can understand the trends and patterns of our people," Manuel said.

Sapa

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