Articles by Pippa Green
Is South Africa heading for a fiscal crisis?
Are budget cuts the only option to reduce the deficit and cut the national debt? Or has the main economic challenge been misstated? The Institute for Economic Justice argues that the county’s main challenge is not the debt burden but growth, and that there are a number of steps National Treasury could take to raise more revenue without cutting spending that threatens development and socio-economic rights.
Realizing socioeconomic rights with a limited budget
The South African constitution is considered progressive and transformative in intention due to its inclusion of socioeconomic rights, such as the right to education, food, and healthcare. However, some of these rights are qualified by the availability of state resources, which places an imperative on government to realize these rights progressively as resources become available.
Will the avian influenza fuel food inflation?
The avian flu currently spreading across South Africa has raised concerns about the potential uptick in food inflation. However, it may be too early for such fears, and it is not clear how long or widespread this effect will be. Moreover, the various interventions being considered by government could lessen the impact on both consumers and the domestic poultry industry.
New vaping tax misses the mark
The vaping industry has vociferously opposed a new tax on vaping products. But only the largest containers of e-liquid will feel hefty price increases – more than double in some cases. Young people who are starting to vape are more likely to buy disposable vapes, which attract less tax. As currently structured, the excise tax is not sufficiently targeted at reducing, or preventing, the use of vaping products among youth.
Why the South African state should not subsidise minibus taxi owners
About 60% of South African households use minibus taxis as their main mode of transport. They spend about 26% of their gross earnings in doing so. Should taxi operators receive subsidies from the state? There are several reasons why policymakers should think about enhancing competition and improving efficiency in the public transport sector instead.
How land reform can boost inclusive agricultural growth
Land reform is not only politically important: it could be a key catalyst for inclusive growth and employment creation. But policymakers need to effect some fundamental reforms and targeted interventions to support emerging commercial farmers. The interventions range from better governance of the agricultural sector, to massive improvements in port and rail logistics, more effective veterinary practices, and easier access to finance for new farmers.
How effective is income tax in reducing inequality in SA?
South Africa has one of the most progressive income-tax systems in the world. Income tax significantly reduces market-income inequality by flattening the incomes of the rich and providing financing for instruments of social protection, such as the social grants system and free basic services. Personal Income Tax is the government’s largest tax instrument and has increased as a share of tax revenue over the past decade. However, it has become less progressive over time, when measured as a share of income despite rate increases. While the amount of income tax has increased, market incomes, particularly of the top decile, have grown at a greater rate.
Did the TERS policy save jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic?
South Africa’s Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) has arguably served as the country’s most important labour market intervention in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to date. As the government winds down the policy two years after its inception, a key question is: was it successful in achieving its primary aim of saving jobs?
How South African agriculture - and consumers - will feel the war in Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine war has raised concerns about potential escalating global food insecurity as these countries are major exporters of grains, oilseeds, fertilizers, and crude oil. Since the war started, the prices of these commodities have risen significantly, and South Africa, interlinked in the global commodities market, is exposed to these prices increases. This article attempts to show how the conflict may affect South Africa’s agricultural sector, as well as consumers, by focusing on trade linkages of agricultural commodities and inputs prices, as well as price transmissions [1]
A redistributive approach to paying for a universal pension contribution subsidy
This is part 3 of a three-part series on pension fund coverage. The first article provides estimates of the size of the pension coverage gap, the second deals with the fiscal costs of co-funding universal coverage, and this article suggests how this might be paid for.