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The Universal Basic Income Coalition (UBIC) opposes draft amendments to the Covid-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant regulations. While the amendments extend the grant until 2025, UBIC argues they introduce punitive measures, fail to address the grant's inadequate value relative to inflation, and maintain exclusionary practices that prevent millions from accessing support.

The Institute for Economic Justice and #PayTheGrants filed a court case on 21 July 2023 challenging the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant regulations. The challenge argues that barriers to access and the stagnant R350 monthly value violate the constitutional right to social assistance and constitute unconstitutional retrogression.

The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) issued a statement criticizing President Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address (SONA) for lacking concrete plans to address South Africa's economic and social crises. The IEJ proposes ten specific questions for Members of Parliament to ask the President, focusing on social grants, public infrastructure, the Just Energy Transition, and the mobilization of domestic resources to realize constitutional rights.

The Institute for Economic Justice and a coalition of partners issued a statement to the President of South Africa ahead of the 2024 State of the Nation Address (Sona), urging the government to align its budget and policy implementation with the needs of marginalised people and to end 'hyper-austerity' measures led by the National Treasury.

This policy brief, produced as part of the 'Youth and Social Justice Futures: Identifying Future Skills and Training in Africa' project, outlines strategic recommendations for Malawi to improve youth empowerment, education, mental health, and disaster resilience. The document is based on participatory action research using Futures Literacy Labs and the Three Horizons Framework, incorporating the perspectives of Malawian youth to envision inclusive and resilient future pathways.

This policy brief by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) argues that the South African government has failed to raise the maximum available resources (MAR) to fund essential social services, leading to unnecessary austerity. The document identifies numerous tax and non-tax revenue streams—including wealth taxes, the removal of ineffective tax breaks, and the utilization of the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account (GFECRA)—that could provide hundreds of billions of rands to avoid budget cuts and stimulate economic growth.

The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) and University of Johannesburg provide comments on the draft White Paper for Human Settlements 2023, highlighting gaps in property market regulation, climate strategy execution, and the risks posed by Eskom debt relief to basic service delivery in South Africa.

The policy brief examines how the G20 can better support Africa's tax agenda to finance Sustainable Development Goals. While progress was made under the Indian and Indonesian presidencies regarding the Two-Pillar Solution and BEPS, African countries still struggle with low tax-to-GDP ratios (16%) and high revenue losses from tax avoidance. The document recommends that the African Union use its new permanent G20 seat to advocate for a higher global minimum tax, increased digitalization of tax administrations, a global carbon taxation system, and progressive tax policies to fund social protection for the 85.8% of the African workforce in the informal sector.

This policy brief, produced by the South African Institute of International Affairs as part of the 'Youth and Social Justice Futures' project, advocates for the integration of Zambian youth into the nation's socio-economic development. Based on workshops using Futures Literacy Labs and the Three Horizon Framework, the document identifies critical gaps in youth employment, political representation, education, and technological access. It proposes four strategic priorities: increasing youth representation in civic and public institutions, enhancing climate-resilient agriculture through agri-tech, reforming education to prioritize practical skills and entrepreneurship, and ensuring equitable internet connectivity.

This research paper examines the implications of the expired 123 Agreement between the US and South Africa, the operational status of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant, and South Africa's broader nuclear energy strategy, including a new plan to procure 2500 MW of additional nuclear power.

The WTO faces critical reform challenges ahead of MC13, primarily the restoration of its dispute settlement system, which has been paralyzed since 2019 due to US blocks on Appellate Body appointments. Key tensions include the shift toward plurilateral agreements (JSIs) versus multilateral consensus, the integration of environmental and industrial policies into the trade agenda, and disputes over which countries qualify for Special and Differential Treatment (SDT). While some members advocate for 'reform-by-doing' through informal initiatives, others insist on formal, inclusive consensus to maintain legitimacy.

This research paper by Rashmi Jose analyzes the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement (IFDA), a proposed treaty aimed at increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs). The author examines the agreement's core commitments, its special and differential treatment for developing nations, and the significant legal and political challenges associated with integrating the IFDA as a plurilateral agreement into the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework.

This research paper analyzes two critical development issues facing the World Trade Organization (WTO) ahead of the Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13): the operationalization of special and differential treatment (SDT) for developing economies and the transition process for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) graduating from their category.

This report examines the power dynamics and distribution policies influencing the phase-out of coal in the Colombian Caribbean, as part of a comparative study with South Africa and Indonesia on just energy transitions in Global South coal-producing countries.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the role of the G20 in supporting Africa's energy transition and climate financing. It critiques the Indonesian and Indian G20 presidencies for failing to address Africa's specific needs, noting a significant gap between the continent's climate funding requirements and actual inflows. The document proposes a strategic agenda for the upcoming Brazilian and South African presidencies, focusing on increasing the flow and quality of climate finance, reforming debt treatments, and enhancing participation in carbon markets.

This policy brief by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) details a legal challenge brought by the IEJ and #PayTheGrants against the South African government. The case contests the administration of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, arguing that systemic barriers, an arbitrary budget cap, and a static grant value violate the constitutional right to social assistance.

This fact sheet by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) presents the results of macroeconomic modelling conducted with Applied Development Research Solutions (ADRS) regarding the fiscal viability of a Basic Income Grant (BIG) in South Africa from 2023 to 2030. The document argues that a BIG is affordable and sustainable, potentially increasing GDP growth and reducing poverty without compromising the country's fiscal position.

This guide, published by Natural Justice, informs the public about the draft Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for oil and gas exploration in Block 3B/4B off the west coast of South Africa. It outlines the proposed activities by a joint venture of Africa Oil South Africa Corp, Ricocure (Pty) Ltd, and Azinam Limited, detailing the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts, and providing instructions for public comment and participation.

The document is a handbook for citizen monitors participating in the COMPACT initiative, a project implemented by PARI, SALGA, and Integrity Action and funded by the European Union. It provides a structured guide for citizens to monitor local government service delivery in South Africa, specifically focusing on improving accountability and community participation in integrated development planning, with a particular emphasis on water and sanitation.

The Local Government Citizen-Based Monitoring (CBM) Tool is a handbook for citizen monitors participating in the COMPACT initiative. It provides a structured six-step framework for citizens to oversee local government service delivery, specifically focusing on water and sanitation in South Africa, to improve accountability and responsiveness through constructive engagement and data-driven monitoring.