Designing a BIG Presentation

This research paper evaluates the design of a Basic Income Guarantee (BIG) in South Africa, arguing that a universal approach for adults aged 18–59 is superior to targeted models in reducing poverty and inequality.

• The paper argues that universal approaches to a Basic Income Guarantee are more effective than targeted models for addressing structural unemployment, inequality, and high poverty levels in South Africa. While targeted programs are often seen as more affordable, they are prone to administrative complexity, stigma, poverty traps, and exclusion errors that can specifically disadvantage women.
• A Universal Basic Income Guarantee (UBIG) can be funded via social security contributions and progressive taxation. The document frames the program as a developmental investment capable of strengthening social cohesion and stimulating local economies, rather than merely a fiscal expense.
• The document recommends a rapid universal rollout over phased or highly targeted implementation. It suggests that gradual implementation risks creating arbitrary eligibility rules and increasing administrative burdens, thereby delaying the delivery of income support.

APA

iej_admin (2021). Designing a BIG Presentation. Institute for Economic Justice. https://iej.org.za/resource/presentation/designing-a-big-a-presentation/

Chicago

iej_admin. Designing a BIG Presentation. Institute for Economic Justice, 2021. https://iej.org.za/resource/presentation/designing-a-big-a-presentation/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=iej_admin |title=Designing a BIG Presentation |publisher=Institute for Economic Justice |date=7 October 2021 |url=https://iej.org.za/resource/presentation/designing-a-big-a-presentation/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{iejadmin2021designing, author = {iej\_admin}, title = {{Designing a BIG Presentation}}, institution = {Institute for Economic Justice}, year = {2021}, month = oct, url = {https://iej.org.za/resource/presentation/designing-a-big-a-presentation/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }