Dear Ms Masango (DA – DSD)

I have read with interest that the DSD tabled a Bill proposing that the current Covid related SRD grant be replaced with a more permanent Basic Income Support (BIS) policy.

I whole heartedly support BIS as this will answer one of the most fundamental provisions under the UN Chart and our Constitution; that it is a basic human necessity that every person have sufficient means towards providing basic food, shelter and clothing.

Where I disagree, is that the BIS policy is based on merit: willingness to work and possibly other conditional provisions. This is where the BIS fundamentally differs from the concept of universality that underpins Universal Basic Income (UBI). UBI does not require any form of justification – rather it is founded on the principals that it is every persons right to live a dignified life whether they are working or not. UBI is totally unconditional.

I have made a study of UBI and found the key problem in all arguments for and against UBI is how it could be funded. Most supporting UBI argue that funding be supported by increasing taxation or a combination of tax and restructuring existing social benefits. My studies on the subject inform me that no country can provide UBI based on tax without hurting the economy. I have formulated a solution that could be considered on a global basis which provides a way to fund UBI globally without requiring burdening economies with excessive taxation and other forms of wealth redistribution.

I'd like an opportunity to share my findings and proposals with DSD. I've developed my ideas of funding a global UBI in a draft book form. I could provide a summary for the DSD to consider. The solutions I propose will require a sponsor state to present the Idea for consideration at the UN. The solution requires a vote at the UN to formulate a globally applicable Humanitarian Treaty that would bind all states to fore-filling the provisions under the UN Chart in a concrete way that leads to a global system of UBI as a fundamental human right.

I reside in Vanrhynsdorp, Western Cape

Kind Regards

Mike van Wyk