The Project for Statistics on Living Standards and Development (PSLSD) was conceived to overcome the weaknesses in national data sets collection by the apartheid government in South Africa. This report reviews the PSLSD, and draws assessments on several fronts. Data collection, in both professional and political terms, was accurately achieved, through systematic and rapid processes, with widely available data for analysis. Capacity building was required, to increase both the skills and number of individuals to undertake data collection, and did much to overcome the historical bias. Only reasonably well, is the assessment in capacity building for primary analysis, since this training should have been integrated in the project, and at an early stage. The technology aspect varies enormously; clearly, a major capacity building will be required at every tier of government, before full and proper data utilization. The report suggests the need for a comprehensive training program in data collection and processing, with systematic statistical and econometric courses. In addition, the need for a second household survey is recommended, and a proper balance in the interests of the different institutions involved in the project should be in place.