Why a basic income grant would bust the budget
A universal basic income grant costing R200bn is a nonstarter; a pragmatic approach that combines public works schemes with targeted income support and faster structural reform is more likely
02 September 2021 - 05:00
Economists are pushing back against the assertion by the department of social development (DSD) that SA can afford a basic income grant (BIG) to the value of R200bn, saying it is based on wishful thinking and flimsy technical analysis.
The National Treasury is gearing up to do its own, more rigorous, modelling, and is also weighing the utility of direct grants against the benefits of public job-creation schemes and the need to accelerate structural reform to get growth going...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.