Writer: Makur Majeng

South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) on 8th August 2024 announced that only 26,440 candidates passed with a rate of 59.9% out of 44,131 candidates who fully sat for the 2023 Certificate of Secondary Education. 

The exam was conducted from the 4th to the 16th of December 2023 according to the National Examinations Council’s calendar. 

The National Examinations Council (NEC) noted that out of 45,666 candidates registered for the exams across the country, 966 candidates did not turn up for the examination, 291 did not complete exams, 8 did not follow exam registration criteria, and 28 cheating cases were recorded. These made the candidates’ results incomplete, cancelled, and not graded.

Data Source: Ministry of General Education and Instruction

The candidates that sat for the 2023 NEC exams were registered under different sections, whereby 45,433 candidates registered under the academic section, with 28,878 male and 16,555 female, 107 candidates were registered under the commercial section with 49 male and 58 female, and 126 registered for the technical section with 111 male and 15 female.

Data Source: Ministry of General Education and Instruction

NEC indicated that out of 45,666 candidates, 44,131 were successfully graded, with 27,897 male and 16,234 female, representing 63.2% and 36.8%, respectively.

In addition to that, out of 44,131, 26,440 candidates obtained a mean grade of C plain and above which qualified them for university entry, with 16,633 male and 9,807 female. However, 17,692 with 11,264 male and 6,427 female candidates failed the examinations.

“Out of the 44,131 candidates, 26,440 (16,633 males, 9,807 females) managed to obtain the minimum university entry qualification (mean grade of C and above) and hence qualify for progression to universities, while 17,691 (11, 264 males, 6,427 females) could not make it, unfortunately. This represents a pass rate of 59.9% (at least C plain), which indicates a decline compared to the pass rate of 95.3% in 2022. This decline can be attributed to controlled exam malpractices in the 2023 CSE Examinations,” said Awut Deng Achuil, Minister of General Education and Instruction, during the release of the results.

Data Source: Ministry of General Education and Instruction

In comparison with the previous year, the pass rate in 2023 has plummeted by 35.4% from 95.3% in 2022 and this marks the lowest pass rate recorded. 

Data Source: Ministry of General Education and Instruction

According to the press statement issued by the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, female candidates slightly outperformed male candidates.

Data Source: Ministry of General Education and Instruction

Conclusion:

The 2023 South Sudan Certificate of Secondary has been marked by a 35.4% decline compared with the previous year, 2022 where candidates’ performance was recorded at 95.3%. The Ministry of Education attributed the decline to controlled exam malpractices where exams were not leaked as well as candidates being unable to cheat.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

Fighting misinformation and disinformation in the media is crucial to avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

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Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

This year, pupils in schools across South Sudan will write their Certificate of Primary Education (CPE) examinations for the academic year 2023 from 20 November 2023 to 24 November 2023. 

The Acting Minister of the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, Martin Tako Moyi, said in a press statement on 18 October 2023 that 69,573 candidates, 38,575 males and 30,998 females, have dully registered for the examination, which began on Monday, 20 November 2023.

However, compared to the previous year, when 60,714 candidates, including 34,505 males and 26,209 females, registered, this year’s number shows a 14.59 per cent increase in the number of candidates.

Male candidates increased by 4,070 from 34,505 in the 2022/23 exams, and female candidates also grew by 4,789 from 26,209 the previous year.

The increase in male candidates accounts for 11.80% of the rise, while the increase in female candidates accounts for 18.27%.

Table showing the number of Candidates and Examination Centers by State and Administrative Areas

Conclusion:

The increase in candidates highlights the need for adequate infrastructure and resources to accommodate the growing student population. The government should prioritise investment in schools, classrooms, textbooks, and other learning materials to ensure all students have access to quality education. While the number of female candidates has increased, there is still a gender disparity, with more male candidates than female candidates. Efforts should be made to encourage and support girls’ education, including providing scholarships, addressing cultural barriers, and promoting female role models in education.

Well-trained and motivated teachers are essential for providing quality education. The government should invest in teacher training programs, provide competitive salaries and benefits, and create a supportive working environment to attract and retain qualified teachers. The curriculum should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its relevance and effectiveness. Innovative teaching methods, such as incorporating technology and interactive learning, should be adopted to engage students and enhance their learning experience. South Sudan has been plagued by conflict, which has disrupted education for many children. Efforts should be made to increase access to education in conflict-affected areas, including providing safe learning spaces, recruiting and training teachers, and ensuring the availability of learning materials.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

Fighting misinformation and disinformation in the media is crucial to avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

The post <strong>Data Story: 14.59% rise in pupils registered for the certificate of primary education examinations this year</strong> appeared first on 211CHECK.

Writer: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

South Sudan’s Ministry of General Education and Instruction announced on 18th October 2023 the schedule for the 2023 Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) Examinations, which will take place from 4th December to 14th December 2023.

The National Examinations Council administers the examination.

According to Martin Tako Moyi, Acting Minister of General Education and Instruction, 44,991 candidates have registered for the 2023 academic year exams. There are 16,685 females and 28,298 males among them.

However, compared to the previous year, when 35,459 candidates enrolled for the South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education examination (SSCSE), including 22,920 males and 12,539 females, this year’s total number of candidates registered represents a 26.88% increase, the highest since the establishment of the National Examination Council.

Male candidates increased by 5,378 from 22,920 in the 2022 exams, and female candidates also increased by 4,146 from 12,539 the previous year.

Table showing the number of CSE candidates for the last three years

Martin Tako Moyi, Acting Minister of General Education and Instruction, attributes the rise in the number of candidates this academic year to the establishment of one hundred (100) new secondary schools across the country. He also said that many refugee students registered for the examinations.

“The number of schools increased by 100 (10%) compared to 400 schools registered in 2022 CSE examinations. The Refugee candidates also increased by 119 candidates (13.95%),” he said.

Table showing the number of Candidates and Examination Centers by State and Administrative Areas

Key Findings:

• The data from the table shows a steady increase in candidates over the past three years, with a significant jump in the 2023/24 academic year.
• The number of male candidates has consistently been higher than that of female candidates.

Conclusion:

This increase in the number of candidates is a positive development for education in South Sudan. However, there is still a need to improve literacy rates in the country. The government should prioritise investing in education, including building more schools, hiring more teachers, and providing more resources to government-aided schools, especially supporting girls’ education. There should be more awareness campaigns to encourage parents to send their children, especially girls, to school. The government should work to address the ongoing conflict in the country, which has disrupted education and made it difficult for students to attend school in some fragile areas.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

Fighting misinformation and disinformation in the media is crucial to avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

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Writer: Ochaya Jackson

A viral Facebook post with a video showing Russian President Vladimir Putin supposedly arriving for the 2023 BRICS summit in South Africa is false. 

The post, shared on 19 August 2023, reads: “President Putting has landed….. (sic).” The video shows Putin being received at the airport. 

The claim, widely shared on Facebook and TikTok, appears to be footage aired by South Africa Broadcasting Corporation(SABC) News. 

A keyword Search using the words “Putin arrives in South Africa for BRICS Summit” shows that the claim was shared widely. 

In one instance, a TikTok user shared the video footage, claiming that the Russian President’s arrival for the BRICS summit in South Africa was a slap to the United States and the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“It’s a slap to the USA and ICC as Vladimir Putin arrives in South Africa for [the] BRICS Summit,” reads the claim text. 

The screenshot of the TikTok claim

The Google Search result also returned a fact-check by RTL Today, debunking the same false claim.

Context:

The BRICS Summit is an international relations conference that brings together heads of state from the BRICS countries namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as a group of emerging economies. It was also attended by various heads of state or government officials from other countries around the world.

The claim regarding Putin’s arrival in South Africa surfaced ahead of the three-day 15^th BRICS summit held from 22 August 2023 in South Africa.

Putin was supposed to attend the summit as a member of the BRICS. Still, the South African government announced on July 19, 2023, in a statement that the Russian president would not attend the summit, citing it as a mutual agreement.

Notably, the International Criminal Court, which South Africa is a member of, issued an arrest warrant against Putin in March 2023. The warrant subjects him to arrest in any member country of the Hague-based court. 

A keyword search on “Putin arrives in South Africa” on YouTube returns the footage captured by SABC News. It was taken when the Russian President arrived for the 2018 BRICS summit in South Africa. 

For the 2023 BRICS summit, Putin was represented by the Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov. 

According to a media report, Putin addressed the audience at the summit via a video link but not in person.

Conclusion:

The video supposedly showing Putin arriving for the 2023 BRICS summit in South Africa is false. The video was taken by SABC News in 2018 when Putin attended the 10th BRICS summit hosted by South Africa.

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking their lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter.

The post <strong>Fact-check: Did Russian President Putin arrive in South Africa for the 2023 BRICS Summit, as video footage shows?</strong> appeared first on 211CHECK.

Writer: Stephen Topua

Brace yourself for an enlightening journey as we delve into a comprehensive analysis of gender-based achievements, state-level triumphs, and the schools that paved the way for success in the 2022/23 South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) examinations results.

This data story highlights the students’ performances in the recently released South Sudan Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE), also known as Senior Four (S.4) results. We look at the performance by gender, state and school.

The data used in the making of this data story is available here.

Feb 24, 2023, the Ministry of General Education and Instruction of the Republic of South Sudan released a press statement on the upcoming Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) examinations for March 2023. Thirty-five thousand four hundred fifty-nine (35,459) students were registered to participate in the exams in three hundred ninety-eight (398) schools across the states and administrative regions. 

However, the total number of students who sat for the S4 results in 2023 was 28,916, with Central Equatoria State accounting for 13,901 students or 48% of the total student population. 

Abyei and Pubor Administrative Region accounted for 255 and 38 students, respectively or a mere 1.01% of the total student population. This is highlighted in the chart below. 

Results by State

South Sudan has ten (10) states and three (03) Administrative areas, and we analyse the results based on these parts. The results are highlighted below. We display the performance index of each State. Central Equatoria had the highest performance index of 74.8%, while Pibor Administrative Area, which also had the least number of students, had the lowest performance index of 59.7%. Unity State, Ruweng Administrative Area, IDP Juba and UNS are not represented in this data. 

Top Performing Schools

Of the best-performing schools, except one (01) – (Laselie Boys from Lakes) are from Central Equatoria State. Among the top 10, Juba Dioceseaen was the best in the country, with an index of 85.8, with 134 candidates. Among the top 10, Darling Wisdom Academy had the highest number of students, with a total of 330, while Covenant Progress had the least number of students, with a total of 17. 

The average number of students among the top 10 schools is 115, with an average index of 84.867. this is illustrated in detail in the graph below

Top Performing Students

How was the performance of the students? We analyse that below.

In this section, we study several parameters:

Number of students in top 10 positions

A total of twenty (20) students shared the top ten (10) positions, a total of twelve (12) gents and eight (08) ladies. All but one student was from the science section. The best student was from Western Bahr el Ghazal, while eighteen (18) were from Central Equatoria. Lakes was the other state with a representative in the second position. 

A total of eight (08) schools were represented, with Brilliant Academy Secondary School having the highest number of students, a total of nine (09) out of twenty (20), or a whopping 45% of all students in the top 10 positions. This is represented below. 

Performance of female students 

Fourteen (14) students shared the top ten (10) female student positions, all from Central Equatoria State. Only seven (07) schools have students on this list. Darling Wisdom Academy and Brilliant Academy each have four (04) students on this list, while four (04) schools have one (01) student each.  This is illustrated in the chart below. 

Conclusion:

One of the findings from this data story is that Central Equatoria State (CES) has the highest number of schools, and the top-performing schools are also from Central Equatoria State (CES). 

The science category also produced the highest number of top-performing students, both in general and among female students. Many students were also sharing the top positions, indicating good performance among the top students.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

The post <strong>South Sudan S.4 Results 2023: A Comprehensive Analysis of Performance by Gender, States, and Schools</strong> appeared first on 211CHECK.

Writer: Stephen Topua

Introduction

The future speaks data—do you? According to research by Forrester Consulting to Tableau, over 2000 managers and employees were surveyed about the importance of data literacy in their organizations; 70% of employees are expected to work heavily with data by 2025 — up from just a mere 40% in 2018

Data is omnipresent, generated by an ever-expanding array of sources, from personal devices to vast networks of interconnected systems. The abundance of data presents both opportunities and challenges. Individuals need to possess data literacy skills to harness the potential of data. According to Jordan Morrow, Author of Be Data Literate, data literacy is about creating comfort and confidence in utilizing data within the organization, and it doesn’t mean everyone has to become super technical or be something they are not. Still, it means everyone can drive results with data.

Definition

Data literacy is the ability to read, understand, create, and communicate data effectively. It goes above and beyond merely interpreting numbers; it involves critical thinking, data analysis, and contextual comprehension. In today’s data-driven world, comprehending, analysing, and effectively utilising data is becoming an increasingly crucial skill. 

As a skill set, data literacy is vital in empowering individuals to make informed decisions, understand complex issues, and drive innovation across various domains. According to Dr Emily Johnson, a renowned data scientist and educator, “Data literacy is not just about knowing how to interpret charts and graphs; it goes beyond that. It’s about critically assessing data quality, identifying biases, and using data to make informed decisions.”

This highlights that data literacy is confined to technical skills and involves a broader understanding of data’s context and implications.

Important data terms:

1. Data Analysis: Examining, cleaning, transforming, and interpreting data to uncover patterns, trends, and relationships.

2. Data Visualization: The graphical representation of data to present complex information clearly and easily understandable.

3. Data Ethics: The moral principles and guidelines governing data’s responsible and ethical use, including data privacy and security considerations.

4. Data Quality: The accuracy, reliability, and consistency of data, ensuring it is fit for its intended purpose.

5. Data Collection: The systematic process of gathering raw data from various sources for analysis and decision-making.

6. Data Cleaning: Identifying and correcting errors, inconsistencies, and inaccuracies in data to improve its quality.

7. Data Privacy: Protecting individuals’ personal information from unauthorised access, use, or disclosure.

8. Data Security: Measures and practices put in place to protect data from unauthorised access, loss, or theft.

9. Data Governance: The overall management and control of data within an organisation to ensure data quality, security, and compliance.

10. Big Data: Huge and complex data sets that require advanced technologies and analytics for processing and analysis.

11. Machine Learning: A subset of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed.

12. Data Warehouse: A centralised repository that stores and organises large volumes of data from different sources for analysis and reporting.

13. Data Mining: The process of extracting valuable patterns and insights from large datasets using statistical and machine learning techniques.

14. Data-driven Decision Making: Using data and analysis to guide and support decision-making processes.

15. Open Data: Data that is freely available for anyone to access, use, and distribute.

16. Data Integration: Combining and harmonizing data from different sources creates a unified view.
17. Data Storytelling: The art of presenting data and analysis in a compelling and engaging narrative to communicate insights effectively.

18. Data Culture: an environment where decisions are consistently backed by data and everyone within the organization, regardless of their role, is encouraged and empowered to use data in their work. It is a culture of inquiry, curiosity, and data-informed decision-making.

Data literacy skills encompass various aspects. Firstly, it involves knowing which data is appropriate and relevant for a specific purpose, ensuring that the data selected aligns with the intended goal. Data literacy also entails understanding and interpreting data visualizations, and deriving insights and meaning from graphical data representations. Another crucial skill is the capacity to think critically about the information extracted through data analysis, evaluating its validity, accuracy, and potential limitations.

Being proficient in data literacy also means understanding data analytics tools and methods and knowing when and where to apply them to extract meaningful insights. It involves recognising instances where data may be misrepresented or used misleadingly, enabling individuals to identify and address any inaccuracies or biases within the data. Lastly, data literacy encompasses communicating data-driven information to individuals needing a more robust background in data literacy, employing effective data storytelling techniques to convey complex findings clearly and compellingly.

Importance of Data Literacy:

Data literacy is a skill that goes beyond the realm of data analysts and scientists. It is essential for everyone, from students to policymakers, to navigate the data-driven landscape effectively. Data literacy is not just about knowing how to use a spreadsheet or read a graph; it’s about developing a mindset that questions, explores, and derives insights from data. It empowers individuals to be informed decision-makers in an increasingly data-saturated world.

Data literacy is a key enabler of evidence-based decision-making. With the ability to comprehend data and draw meaningful conclusions, individuals can avoid making uninformed choices that may have adverse consequences.

Ways of improving your data literacy skills 

There are various approaches to enhancing your data literacy skills. To begin, you might take advantage of online courses provided by companies such as Coursera and Udemy. These courses cover various topics, starting with fundamental data skills and advancing to advanced machine-learning techniques. It is also advised that you take an introductory statistics course to understand the underlying principles of data and analytics and a data visualization course to communicate data insights effectively.

To become more comfortable with data, you should study your company’s datasets using management dashboards or business intelligence tools. Take advantage of the opportunity to go into and investigate various reports for various periods. If your present role restricts your data access, don’t hesitate to request it. Finding a data mentor is another crucial step in increasing data literacy. This mentor does not have to be a data professional; anyone comfortable using the company’s reporting tools and making data-driven decisions could play this role.

If you’re concerned or believe you’re not naturally drawn to statistics, shifting your emphasis to the benefits of using data in your work can be beneficial. Recognise how data may help you better understand your target audience, uncover market gaps, enable better decision-making, support presentations with factual information, and wow your bosses. It is also critical to practice asking meaningful questions about the data you deal with. Understand the origins, validity, and any biases of the data. Exploring the topic of bias in data and artificial intelligence can be eye-opening and help you ensure that your organization’s decisions are based on accurate and fair facts.

Finally, don’t let fear or doubt stand in your way of achieving data literacy. Accept the opportunity to learn and improve, recognising that strengthening your data abilities will aid your professional development in various ways.

Conclusion:

Data literacy is fundamental in the data-driven era, shaping how individuals interact with information and make decisions. Data literacy becomes an indispensable skill for individuals to thrive in personal and professional domains as data grows exponentially. By embracing data literacy, individuals can transform data into knowledge, making informed decisions that positively impact their lives and society.

Data literacy is a critical skill set in our data-driven world. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions, contributes to organizational success, and improves various aspects of society, from education to healthcare. As we navigate an increasingly complex and data-rich landscape, fostering data literacy among individuals becomes paramount.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

The post <strong>Explainer: Why South Sudanese should learn data literacy to harness the potential of data</strong> appeared first on 211CHECK.

Writer: Beatrice Amude Paulino

An image circulating on WhatsApp claiming that people should avoid consuming any products from the Pepsi Company for a few weeks due to an alleged incident where a worker supposedly added his HIV-infected blood to the beverages firm products is FALSE.

The image shows a man in handcuffs being escorted by police and is accompanied by a message stating that Sky News reported the incident.

Investigation:

According to a Google Lens Search of the image, the photo was shared after the arrest of the alleged Nyanya bombing mastermind, Aminu Ogwuche.

Further investigation by 211 Check confirmed that the photo depicts Aminu Sadiq Ogwuche, who was arrested in Sudan and later extradited to Nigeria after the Nyanya bomb attack in Nigeria’s Federal Capital. According to the Nigerian site Premium Times, Ogwuche was handed over to the Nigerian police on 15 July 2014.

In another related finding, Vishvas News conducted a fact-check on 15 July 2020. It debunked a claim stating that the man in the photo contaminated Cadbury products with his alleged HIV-positive blood.

However, it’s important to note that according to the Centre for Food Safety and the World Health Organization, HIV cannot be transmitted through water or food because the virus does not survive long outside the human body. Additionally, if food contains a small amount of HIV-infected blood or semen, the virus is destroyed when exposed to air, heat from cooking, and stomach acids.

Elsewhere, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has indicated that the only case where food infected with HIV blood could potentially affect people is if a mother or caregiver who is HIV positive chooses to give pre-chewed food from their mouth to an infant.

Conclusion:

211 Check has found that the claim that a man put his HIV-infected blood in Pepsi products is false and misleading. 

This fact check was published by 211 Check with support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck and the African Fact-Checking Alliance.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

It’s vital to fight misinformation and disinformation in the media by avoiding fake news. Don’t share content you’re uncertain about. False information can harm and mislead people, risking lives—Fact-check before sharing. For more details, visit https://211check.org/ or message us on WhatsApp at +211 917 298 255. #FactsMatter 

The post <strong>Fact-check: Does this photo show a man who added HIV- infected blood to Pepsi products?</strong> appeared first on 211CHECK.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in South Sudan released the Population Estimation Survey 2021 (PES) on April 6th, 2023, revealing a surge in the country’s population to 12.4 million people, a rise of over four million people. The PES 2021 was conducted between May 28th and June 15th, 2021, across ten states and three Administrative areas, with a female population of 52.9% and a male population of 47.1%, while the youth population stands at 77%.

The PES 2021 is expected to be an essential resource for the government’s development planning, decision-making, and provision of services. The survey will monitor the performance of the National Development strategy and the sustainable development goals while providing policymakers with briefs and reference points for research.

With South Sudan’s last census conducted in 2008, the PES 2021 provides the latest accurate population estimates and other demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the inhabitants. The NBS utilised satellite imagery and enumeration to ensure the quality of information and data for the survey met the basic assumptions of the analytic method.

Despite the impact of civil war outbreaks since independence in 2011, the PES 2021 provides a comprehensive and up-to-date representation of South Sudan’s population, enabling policymakers and decision-makers to implement evidence-based planning and decision-making for progress and sustainable development in the country.

The country’s last Census was in 2008, when it was still an autonomous region of Sudan. While releasing the results, Isaiah Chol Aruai, the chairperson of NBS, explained that the figures are based on satellite imagery and enumeration across ten states and three Administrative areas.

“The quality of information and data for a given locale, as well as the ability of the data to meet the basic assumptions of the analytic method, are key to performing accurate estimates or projections,” Isaiah Chol Aruai said.

National statistical offices often produce estimates and projections of various characteristics of a population. These statistics are a vital source of information for decision-makers throughout the government, the private sector, and civil society. An estimate calculates a population’s size or distribution or another population characteristic for the present or past. At the same time, a projection describes these characteristics in the future.

In most countries, policymakers and other data users often require accurate information between census data releases every ten years. Although a full population count only occurs during a census, statistical methods and tools often produce regular, up-to-date population estimates.

Population estimates can describe the population size and demographic characteristics such as age, sex, or education level. Population estimates depend on change’s demographic components: mortality, fertility, and migration.

Estimates of mortality, fertility, and migration estimates are derived from data available from censuses, surveys, registration systems, and other administrative records. Estimates and projections are calculated similarly. However, estimates employ observed data and hypotheses of demographic change when data are incomplete. Projections, on the other hand, rely on hypotheses about demographic change in the future.

One of the most widely used approaches for producing population estimates and projections is the Cohort Component Method, which can be used to calculate detailed statistics such as population by age and sex, total fertility rate, infant mortality rate, and population growth rate. A population may also be estimated and projected for multiple geography units, from the national to various subnational levels (e.g.States, Counties, Districts, Payams, Bomas). 

Criticisms from the Public:

The PES 2021 report was received with much scepticism and criticism from the public. Individuals and organisations criticised the authenticity of the data. Some voices challenging the report can be found in this article by The East African and an analysis by The Sudd Institute. 

“Some opposition politicians and some in the civil society questioned the estimates that put the total of the country’s population to 12,444,018 and are demanding what they term “a proper census” as per the 2018 peace agreement. UN estimates had put the population at 11,556,069 even though the UN itself partly supported the current survey,” reports The East African

Augustino T. Mayai, the Managing Director of the Sudd Institute, an independent research organisation, analysed the scientific, political, and policy implications of the PES results stating that the new estimates are in stark contrast with South Sudan’s 2008 census counts, which stood at 8.26 million, informing the 2010 regional and national elections. These estimates, he says, “…have so far generated heated debates in various quarters, with many outright contesting them for a host of good reasons.”

However, on the 13th of April, NBS clarified that the PES 2021 results should not be used for electoral purposes, Juba Echo, but for planning and policy guidance, such as Something Augustino T. Magai questions.  

‘’…if the PES results cannot be used for electoral purposes, then it is odd to use them

for development. Using the scientifically troubled PES results for development (i.e., 

distributing services) is more problematic than using them for politics. This is because 

development is for the ‘greater good for a greater number of people,’ as should be obvious, 

South Sudan’s politics benefits a select few. Let me illustrate. Suppose the Northern Bahr el Ghazal government constructs 50 new schools in Aweil East based on the current estimates, subsequently recruiting teachers and enrolling students. It then dawns on the government that only ten such schools must be based on actual enrollments. The result then boils down to resources wasted and injustice inflicted on populations that genuinely deserve the services but could not get..,’’ as quoted in his report. 

Conclusion:

Much as the PES 2021 results announced, NBS decried a lot of challenges in bringing out accurate and perfect results; among these, they cited the insecurity in parts of the country, floods that had submerged a lot of the inhabited land areas, lack of resources both financial and human. However, against all odds, they could still get the necessary data.

The PES 2021 results put the current estimated population at 12,446,016, with an increment of 4,186,335 from the 2008 population census, which had the country at 8,260,490. This shows an annual percentage growth of 3.9%. 

The current population of South Sudan is 11,556,786 as of Tuesday, April 25th 2023, based on the latest United Nations data. With 43% of the population below 14, 54%  between 15 – 64 and 3% representing 65 and above.

Population estimates are a vital source of information for decision-makers throughout the government, private sector, and civil society. In most countries, policymakers and other data users often require accurate information between census data releases every ten years. Although a full population count only occurs during a census, statistical methods and tools often produce regular, up-to-date population estimates.

Demographic components such as mortality, fertility, and migration must be considered to ensure the accuracy of population estimates. Estimates of these components are derived from data available from censuses, surveys, registration systems, and other administrative records. The Cohort Component Method is widely used for producing population estimates and projections.

Given the importance of accurate population estimates, it is recommended that South Sudan conducts regular surveys and censuses to ensure policymakers have the necessary information for decision-making. Innovative methods such as satellite imagery and enumeration can enhance the quality of information and data collected during surveys and censuses. Policymakers should prioritise evidence-based planning and decision-making for progress and sustainable development in South Sudan.

This article is part of our data stories work written with the firm belief that factual and data-driven reporting can influence decision-making and public perceptions and educate the audience on public interest issues.

To ensure accuracy and transparency, we at 211 Check welcome corrections from our readers. If you spot an error in this article, please request a correction using this form. Our team will review your request and make the necessary corrections immediately, if any.

The post <strong>Data Story: South Sudan’s population surges to 12.4 million, reveals 2021 survey</strong> appeared first on 211CHECK.

Writer: Jibi Moses 

Internet data consumption in East Africa has risen in recent years, driven by a growing middle class, increased affordability of smartphones, and the expansion of 4G networks. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are the top three countries in the region with the highest data usage levels. Mobile data is the most popular form of internet connectivity in the region, with social media, video streaming, and mobile money services being the most popular uses of data. However, the high cost of data remains a challenge for many users in the region.

The cost of one gigabyte in East African countries varies depending on the provider and location. 

However, on average, the cost ranges from $0.49 to $2.51 per gigabyte, with Tanzania being the cheapest in the region and South Sudan having the most expensive internet gigabytes in the region for United States Dollars 2.51 by 1 August 2022. However, from September, the Telecommunication offices adjusted the cost together; currently, the average cost is 7 dollars per gigabyte.   

Table 1: showing the highest, lowest and average cost of Data in East Africa by 1st Aug 2022 

Source:  Statistica 

On average, one gigabyte of mobile internet in East Africa amounted to 1.34  USD in 2022, slightly higher than in other regions. In Northern Africa, the price for mobile data was far lower, at 1.05 U.S. dollars on average. 

A few factors influence the elevated mobile data prices in East Africa, such as high taxation and the lack of infrastructure. In June 2020, around 56 per cent of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa lived within a range of 25 kilometres from fibre networks. East Africa was the last central region on Earth without fibre-optic broadband Internet access. Until the summer of 2009, it had been forced to rely on slow and costly satellite connections for access. However, after hundreds of millions of pounds of investment, the region has recently been connected via the first of three submarine fibre optic broadband cables, thus allowing much greater speeds at much lower prices.

A bar chart illustrating data consumption in East Africa created with Datawrapper 

Over 277 million people are estimated to be connected to the internet in the region as of December 2022. Kenya leads in the region with over 48 million of its population accessing the Internet, and South Sudan with a minor population of only 900,716 people accessing the Internet.

From September to November 2022, telecommunication companies started implementing an increment in tariff plans. According to the National Communication Authority, it was done to adjust rates for mobile network operators from 300 SSP per 1 USD to the current Central Bank rate of 600 SSP per 1 USD. This enabled these companies to operate in the market due to the depreciating SSP against the USD. 

Here is why South Sudan has the most expensive internet data rates in East Africa:

By August 2021, South Sudan already had the highest rate of data cost in the region, and by the end of the year, it again increased, according to Eye Radio.

Multiple factors hinder Internet access in South Sudan. Firstly, the country has minimal infrastructure for internet access, with only a few significant ISPs relying on expensive satellite connections. This results in high internet access costs for consumers. Secondly, the country’s fragile economy, plagued by civil war and economic instability, makes it challenging for businesses to invest, resulting in very little competition among ISPs and allowing them to charge high prices. Finally, the South Sudanese government has not made significant efforts to promote internet access by not investing in building a national fibre optic network and making it difficult for businesses to obtain licences to operate as ISPs. Consequently, internet access remains prohibitively expensive and out of reach for many people in South Sudan.

Many things could be done to make the Internet more affordable in South Sudan. The government could invest in building a national fibre optic network, making it cheaper for ISPs to provide internet access. The government could also make it easier for businesses to get licences to operate as ISPs, increasing competition and lowering prices. Finally, the government could subsidise low-income households to afford internet access.

However, it is essential to note that making the Internet more affordable is not a simple task. It requires a significant investment of time and money.

The post <strong>Data Story: Why South Sudan has the most expensive internet data rates in East Africa</strong> appeared first on 211CHECK.

Apparently, as  of February 2023, only 21.82 % of the South Sudanese population and 48.50 % of the target population are fully vaccinated, a figure way below the WHO recommended 60%.

Writer: Jibi Moses

Covid-19 (SARS-COV-2) was first reported in China’s Wuhan City in late 2019 and later led to reported cumulative cases of up to 988,737,697  Later on spread throughout the globe like wildfire and by 30th January 2020, World Health Organisation (WHO) had to declare it as a Public health emergency of international concern. Subsequently, on 11th March 2020, it was characterised as a pandemic outbreak. It has  caused a lot of fatalities in different parts of the world, especially in the United States of America, with a cumulative figure of 101,496,168 total reported cases. And Europe with 272,423,077, where France, Germany, England and Italy were among the most affected. Africa recorded 895189 cases and South Sudan with 18,360 as of 15th February 2023 after the first reported case on 5th of April 2020.

The principal mode by which people are infected with SARS-CoV-2 is through exposure to respiratory fluids carrying the infectious virus. Exposure occurs in three principal ways: inhalation of very fine respiratory droplets and aerosol particles; deposition of respiratory droplets and particles on exposed mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, or eye by direct splashes and sprays; and touching mucous membranes with hands that have been soiled either directly by virus-containing respiratory fluids or indirectly by touching surfaces with the fluids.

The virus keeps mutating, changing itself, and creating panic in the world. In other parts of the world, it looks down with reduced or no reported new cases on most days. In China, however, although most of its population is vaccinated, the cases continue to be reported daily.

The totally strange pandemic caused panic and fear as new cases were being reported, and the number of fatalities kept on growing every other day.  The panic and anxiety was fuelled by the absence of correct information on the ground. The existence of the Internet and mainly social media made it easy for the spread of false information. Misinformation, disinformation and rumors about the pandemic were spread  too. A Lot of predictions were made, especially about Africa. Luckily enough, some didn’t come to fulfillment.

With all these scientists and pharmaceutical companies across the globe did their best in research and tried to come up with varieties of vaccines to curb the epidemic. And  among these are AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BionTech and Johnson and Johnson. Much as these vaccines were easily accepted in some parts of the world and had an impact, they were received with resistance especially in Africa and mainly in areas where cases of fatalities  were not much, and South Sudan is not an exception. 

The vaccine faced resistance from the public and the anti vaccinators  spreading misinformation and rumors such as; covid-19 vaccines were intended to wipe out the African race, and myths that vaccines make one infertile. Also, some said covid-19 generally made to clear out the old generation and since many people didn’t die in Africa. Some now didn’t see any reason to get vaccinated as the danger of the pandemic is no longer scary.

Since the  vaccine was first introduced in April 2021. The Ministry of Health Statistics shows South Sudan’s vaccinated population is  21.89% of  the total population of 13,676,376  in February 2023. According to the WHO standard, this figure is too low to achieve public health safety; at least  60-70 % of the population should be vaccinated. The figure put South Sudan at the bottom with the least percentage of vaccine uptake in the region, besides the availability of the vaccine in the country and in most Health facilities.  This, therefore, poses a question, why are South  Sudanese hesitant to take up the vaccine

Fig.2. Table showing the details of the Total,Target Population and People fully vaccinated in Percentages   

More details from the Ministry of Health further shows that 

Mr. Mawa Bosco, the Founder and Executive Director of Ristal Institute in Juba, thinks South Sudanese are hesitant to take up the vaccine because they don’t see the need. He further says that unlike neighboring countries, we didn’t record many cases admitted at Intensive Care Unit(ICU). If I say we survived covid-19 because of intervention, that would be wrong. 

We just survived by God’s Grace. He said this in an interview at his office in Gurei.

So some people didn’t take the corona virus seriously from that point. Mapour, a journalist in Juba, says that religion also played a big role in tuning people’s minds to whether or not to take the vaccine. He gave an example of Jonglei state, a state with many people believing in different religious denominations but  less vaccine uptake.

The vaccine uptake has faced resistance because of rumors, myths and beliefs. But coming to understand, several people in the population do not know what vaccines are and how they work!

Source : Ministry Of Health, South Sudan Government

 What are vaccines and their importance ?

Meanwhile some people who reject the vaccine and discourage others may not know what vaccines are and how they work. 

Vaccine is an antigenic preparation (Antigen) when introduced into an organism, induces the production of antibodies capable of fighting off infection of that organism by a given microorganism. The World Health Organization explains in detail how vaccines work in this explainer. 

They further go ahead to explain the importance of vaccinating the population. Vaccination protects the community, even those who cannot take the vaccine. Some people have lying conditions that could not enable them to take the vaccine. However, if most people are vaccinated, they will be protected too.

Dr Alfred Driwale of Makerere University says that  when an individual is vaccinated, that is personal health, but to achieve Public health, the majority of the population should be vaccinated.  

Dr Alfred Driwale further explains that complacency, lack of confidence, and convenience are the main contributing factors to vaccine hesitancy. He says that when there is a low perceived risk of vaccine-preventable diseases,  vaccination is not seen as necessary. Sometimes when other life/ health issues are a greater priority, vaccination is put on hold, furthermore, when the population has low trust and confidence in the vaccines, delivery systems and the health systems. Finally barriers related to geographic accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of the services. All these factors lead to low turn up.

Is there any hope?

On the 28th. January 2023, the government of South Sudan launched the second phase of the campaign. Through the Ministry of Health and partners: World Bank, Unicef and World Health Organisation, they aim to vaccinate 2.4 million South Sudanese of 18 and above years.

“We started by targeting the vulnerable groups of people like the health workers,and established 735 facilities   and 251 mobile units, we also trained and deployed health personnels in 26 idps and 22 refugee centers. However, consumption remained low as only 221236 eligible people were fully vaccinated. This translates to 16.4 % as per December 2022. Our target is to vaccinate 2,421,771 eligible persons of 18 years and above. Said Rev. Janet Micheal: Director General, Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health. 

During the same function, the Head of World Bank Group South Sudan, Dr. Firas Raad, said the country received 2.4 million doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines in November 2022. Therefore, he called the public to come out willing to take the vaccine.

H.E Hussein  AbdelBagi Akol, the Vice president for Service cluster, decried the low coverage of the vaccine uptake, and he attributed this to limited information, especially in the village areas, high poverty levels and competing priorities, weak health system and continuous myths. He also observed that there’s open rejection of the vaccine by religious leaders. 

However, he promised to tighten the procedures and make sure the vaccine is accessible to everyone, in addition to making conditions hard for those who are not vaccinated.  said there’s no need for a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)  test when traveling as long as one is fully vaccinated. However, it will be demanded if not vaccinated: ‘ we shall continue to charge you for these tests until we are all vaccinated. The Minister of Health, Yolanda Awel Deng, warned the public about counterfeit drugs. People should go to public facilities to get the vaccine. 

Much as the uptake was too low, continuous  intervention by the government and implementing partners have tried to  improve the situation. David Manyang, the  Voice of Reconciliation  Radio Station Manager in Bor, said there was a lot of Misinformation and beliefs, especially religious. He said covid19 in the state was associated with the devil, and the fact that the Ministry of Health’s hotline is 6666 made people easily misled. However, with continued  awareness on Radio and offline, the people realized it was not true.

Jibi Moses Korsuk wrote this article under the sponsorship of the Aga Khan University Graduate School of Media and Communication after successfully completing the fellowship for Excellence in Journalism.

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