Introduction
In this position paper, the Universal Basic Income Coalition (UBIC) outlines our stance on implementing a basic income system in South Africa. Our demands are grounded in principles of equity, dignity, and inclusivity, aiming to address the pressing needs of individuals aged 18-59. In this paper, we advocate for a universal, unconditional, redistributive, dignifying, individual, accessible, equitable, and dependable basic income.
1. Basic income as a universal guarantee
This UBIC Position Paper advocates for a basic income that serves as a universal guarantee for all individuals aged 18-59 in South Africa. Our stance is rooted in the belief that every citizen deserves access to a dignified income floor, irrespective of background or socio-economic status. By adopting a universal approach, we eliminate exclusion errors, simplify administrative processes, and uphold the inherent dignity of every individual.
2. Progressive realisation of universality
While our ultimate goal is universal basic income, we acknowledge the need for a phased approach to implementation. Through progressive taxation measures and clear, accountable plans, we aim to gradually expand social assistance frameworks to achieve universality. This process prioritises the most vulnerable while ensuring fiscal sustainability and continuity of support for existing beneficiaries.
3. An unconditional and redistributive basic income
Our vision for basic income is unconditional, free from restrictive conditions that infringe upon recipients’ agency. Additionally, we advocate for a redistributive approach to financing, shifting resources from the wealthiest to the most marginalised. By ensuring fair taxation and adequate funding, we aim to reduce inequality and stimulate economic growth sustainably.
4. Ensuring dignity and adequacy
A key principle of the UBIC position is to ensure that the basic income provides recipients with dignity by meeting their basic needs. We advocate for setting the income value at or above the national poverty line, gradually increasing it over time to eliminate income poverty. This approach empowers individuals to pursue economic activities and escape the poverty trap.
5. Individual basic income
UBIC supports providing individual basic income payments rather than household grants. This approach promotes autonomy, equity, and transparency within households, reducing dependence and gender disparities.
6. Accessibility, equity, and dependability
UBIC emphasises the importance of designing and administering the basic income in a way that is accessible, equitable, and dependable for all beneficiaries. Streamlined application processes, transparent communication, and consistent payment schedules are essential to ensure inclusivity and fairness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UBIC’s position paper advocates for a comprehensive basic income system that prioritizes dignity, equity, and inclusivity. By adopting a universal, unconditional, and redistributive approach, we aim to address poverty, reduce inequality, and promote economic growth in South Africa. Join us in advocating for a dignified basic income for all.
UBIC is comprised of the following organisations:
- Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC)
- Black Sash
- Basic Income Earth Network (BIEN) Africa UBI Observatory
- Children’s Institute, UCT
- Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU)
- Global Reformed Platforms for Engagement (GRAPE )
- RightfulShare An Income Movement
- Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ)
- #PayTheGrants
- Social Policy Initiative (SPI)
- Women on Farms Project
- Youth Lab
Amaarah is a Junior Programme Officer in the Rethinking Economics for Africa project. She is currently studying towards her Masters in Applied Development Economics at Wits University. 
Dr James Musonda is the Senior Researcher on the Just Energy Transition at the IEJ. He is also the Principal Investigator for the Just Energy Transition: Localisation, Decent Work, SMMEs, and Sustainable Livelihoods project, covering South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya.
Dr Basani Baloyi is a Co-Programme Director at the IEJ. She is a feminist, development economist and activist. She gained her research experience while working on industrial policy issues in academia, at the Centre For Competition, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED) and Corporate Strategy and Industrial Development (CSID) Unit.
Dr Andrew Bennie is Senior Researcher in Climate Policy and Food Systems at the IEJ. He has extensive background in academic and civil society research, organising, and activism. Andrew has an MA in Development and Environmental Sociology, and a PhD in Sociology on food politics, the agrarian question, and collective action in South Africa, both from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Juhi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Sociology from Wits University and an Honours degree in Development Studies from the University of Cape Town. Her current research focus is on social care regimes in the South African context, with a particular focus on state responses to Early Childhood Development and Long-Term Care for older persons during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her other research areas include feminist economics, worlds of work and the care economy.
Bandile Ngidi is the Programme Officer for Rethinking Economics for Africa. Bandile has previously worked at the National Minimum Wage Research Initiative and Oxfam South Africa. He holds a Masters in Development Theory and Policy from Wits University. He joined the IEJ in August 2018. Bandile is currently working on incubating the Rethinking Economics for Africa movement (working with students, academics and broader civil society). 
Liso Mdutyana has a BCom in Philosophy and Economics, an Honours in Applied Development Economics, and a Masters in Applied Development Economics from Wits University. His areas of interest include political economy, labour markets, technology and work, and industrial policy. Through his work Liso aims to show the possibility and necessity of economic development that prioritises human wellbeing for everyone.
Joan Stott holds a Bachelor of Business Science in Economics and a Master’s in Economics from Rhodes University. She brings to the IEJ a wealth of experience in public finance management, policy development, institutional capacity-building, and advancing socioeconomic and fiscal justice.
Siyanda Baduza is a Junior Basic Income Researcher at IEJ. He holds a BSc in Economics and Mathematics, an Honours degree in Applied Development Economics, and is currently completing a Master’s degree in Applied Development Economics at the University of the Witwatersrand. Siyanda’s research focuses on the impacts of social grants on wellbeing, with a particular focus on the gendered dynamics of this impact. His interests include applied micro-economics, policy impact evaluation, labour markets, gender economics, and political economy. He is passionate about translating economic research into impactful policy.
Shikwane is a Junior Programme Officer at IEJ focusing on civil society support and global governance in the G20. He has a background in legal compliance, IT contracting and student activism. He holds degrees in Political Studies and International Relations, as well as an LLB, from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Dr Tsega is a Senior Researcher focusing on Women’s Economic Empowerment within the G20. She examines gender equity in economic policy, with expertise in food systems and small enterprise development. She holds a PhD in development studies from the University of the Western Cape, an MA in Development Economics, and degrees in Development Studies and Economics from UNISA and Addis Ababa University.
Nerissa is a G20 Junior Researcher at IEJ, focusing on advancing civil society priorities within the G20 framework. She bridges data, research, and policy to advance inclusive economic frameworks. She is completing a Master’s in Data Science (e-Science) at the University of the Witwatersrand, and holds Honours and Bachelor’s Degrees in International Relations with distinction. She has worked as a Research Fellow at SAIIA and a Visiting Research Fellow at Ipea in Brazil.
Dr Mzwanele is a Senior Researcher supporting South Africa’s G20 Sherpa with policy research. He holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Birmingham and an MSc from the University of the Witwatersrand. His work covers open macroeconomics, trade, finance, and higher education policy, and he has published widely on inequality, unemployment, household debt and higher education curriculum reform.
Kamal is the Project Lead for IEJ’s G20 work, focusing on sovereign debt and development finance. He holds a BComm (Hons) in Applied Development Economics from the University of the Witwatersrand and an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters in Economic Policies for the Global Transition. He has worked with SCIS, UNCTAD and co-founded Rethinking Economics for Africa.