Projects

The Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) published a Policy Brief in March 2021 which explores the potential for a Universal Basic Income Guarantee (UBIG) in South Africa. The Brief covers the rationale, possible implementation models, potential costs, and financing options

DNA was contracted by the Institute for Economic Justice to analyse a range of financing options both in terms of their income generating potential and associated risks. The following options were analysed.
• Social Security Tax
• Selective removal of Medical Scheme Fees Tax Credit
• Selective removal of retirement fund contribution deduction
• Increasing the Dividend Tax rate
• Tax on resource rents 6. Higher VAT rate on luxury products
• Increasing the Estate Duty rate
• Increasing the Securities Transfer Tax rate
• Currency Transaction Tax

The Critical Skills List lists occupations for which critical skills visas are made available. The client contracted DNA Economics to analyse comments received on the draft Critical Skills List and update the previous research to identify occupations for which the domestic shortages cannot be timeously addressed within the skills development sector.

DNA assisted the Roger Feder Foundation in making a case for scaled up quality Early Childhood Development Education in Malawi. The project involved the identification of interventions required, the costing of these interventions and an analysis of these costs in light of intervention benefits and the fiscal space available.

The study was commissioned to address underinvestment in the sector by informing an investment case for ECD in Malawi. The purpose of the study was to estimate the costs and benefits of a high-quality, comprehensive ECD programme for all Malawian children. To this end, the study focused on four research questions;
1. What is the current state of CBCCs in Malawi?
2. What interventions are required at CBCCs?
3. How much does it cost to provide these interventions?
4. What are the potential benefits associated with these interventions?

Addressing these research questions informed the investment case which was designed to inform the decision-making process.

DNA Economics, with support from Mzabalazo Advisory Services, were commissioned by the National Treasury’s Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) to undertake research on the costs of and financing options for the implementation of the White Paper on Post School Education and Training (PSET). The assignment involved the creation of in-depth long term costing models for each of the main PSET sectors (universities, TVET colleges, community colleges and workplace training). The project also considered and modelled the different funding options available for financing these costs in the future. The project’s outputs have been used extensively to inform the DHET’s White Paper Implementation Plan and as input into the decisions of Presidential Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training (”the Fees Commission”).

DNA Economics was commissioned by the National Treasury’s Government Technical Advisory Centre (GTAC) to conduct a Performance and Expenditure Review of public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The National Development Plan and White Paper on Post-School Education and Training identify the expansion and improvement of TVET colleges as a key national policy priority. This project helped the Department of Higher Education and Training and National Treasury to understand the trends in learner performance and spending through the TVET sector to inform planning and policy-making.

DNA Economics was appointed by the South African Cities Network to write a chapter on the funding of public transport in South Africa.