Join the cOALITION for Economic Dignity

The Universal Basic Income Coalition criticises the 2026 South African budget, arguing that vulnerable people risk losing grants as government pursues R3 billion in savings, while key social grants remain inadequate and millions continue to face poverty and food insecurity.

With poverty affecting more than two-thirds of South Africans, SONA 2026 is a defining moment. UBIC sets out what government must do now to fix the SRD grant and unlock universal basic income.

This working paper by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) reviews recent proposals for basic income in South Africa. It examines how design, coverage, and financing choices influence the potential of a basic income to reduce poverty, promote inclusive growth, and strengthen social protection.

This policy brief by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) outlines the court case challenging barriers to the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant in South Africa. It explains how exclusionary procedures, low grant value, and limited access undermine social assistance, and details the legal arguments for protecting the constitutional right to support for those unable to sustain themselves.

This policy brief by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) explores practical ways to fund a Universal Basic Income Grant (UBIG) in South Africa. It examines fiscal scenarios, their impacts on poverty, inequality, and economic growth, and provides evidence-based recommendations for a sustainable and inclusive basic income system.

This policy brief by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) explores how a Basic Income Guarantee can be designed for maximum impact. It highlights the advantages of universality, addresses administrative and social challenges, and offers practical recommendations for a fair and effective BIG.

A policy brief exploring how a Universal Basic Income Guarantee can secure livelihoods, reduce poverty, and build a more just South Africa.

UBIC condemns SASSA for misrepresenting SRD grant application numbers, falsely blaming “fraudsters” while millions of eligible adults are unfairly excluded due to budget limits.

UBIC condemns the SRD grant increase of R20 as inadequate, failing to restore value lost to inflation and leaving millions in poverty.

UBIC’s scorecard pushed parties to clarify and strengthen their basic income and SRD grant commitments.

UBIC launches an Election Scorecard showing which parties support a universal basic income and how they plan to implement it.

UBIC opposes draft SRD rules that cut value and exclude people, urging the government to honor SONA promises and improve grants.

UBIC calls for the SRD grant to expand coverage, restore its value, and set a clear roadmap toward basic income—without raising VAT—so it effectively reaches all eligible South Africans.

UBIC calls for increased SRD funding, expanded coverage, and a clear roadmap to transition it into a basic income system—without regressive VAT increases.

Government must clarify plans for the SRD Grant and basic income—confusion, exclusion, and weak systems are harming millions.

Executive summary of the SRD court victory and the future of basic income in South Africa.

A briefing on how Treasury’s new rules could block millions from vital social grants.