The introduction of a basic income grant could solve three issues in the country, writes Mikhail Moosa. Why did the Minister of Social Development recently announce that her department was considering the introduction of a basic income grant (BIG)? A basic income grant is a cash transfer from the state to citizens – or residents – to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, employment or ability, has a minimum level of income. A BIG is likely to be targeted at unemployed people who do not receive another social grant or UIF payment. The idea of basic income has a long history and has supporters on both the ideological left and right.

Source: News 24 July 16, 2020 13:52 UTC