Social media was abuzz some weeks ago when lifestyle influencer, Sabelo the Kreator shared a vlog of his home renovations. In the video, with Thinah Zungu’s testimonial song Thandiwe serenading the viewers, the content creator can be seen through different phases of seeing the renovations come to life—from sourcing the material and crafting what he refers to as his ‘ideal Pinterest home’, to the gradual filling in of the skeletal building to make it something liveable. He takes us on a journey.

The video was different from his normal content where he is seen cleaning his house, getting ready to take on the day, and preparing lunch with your usual product placement from his sponsors close in sight. He posted this development as a way to express his pride and show his growth, and his joy from having built his family a home. Social media users, in the usual fashion, congregated on his post to not only congratulate him but also question the culture of black tax on young working-class individuals. They spoke about how those who ensure that their families are taken care of (sometimes to their own detriment), rarely have someone there to take care of them.

Some users who were on Sabelo’s side felt like this chat about black tax took away from his moment of pride and jubilation. Anele (27) said, “It shouldn’t count as black tax since Sabelo takes pride in his actions. He did this because he wanted to, and was happy to.”

This is where my issue with the term ‘tax’ in black tax comes in. Tax is a compulsory contribution that one makes when they are working a particular job or buying goods. The conversation around black tax suddenly wants to exclude that compulsory nature, as if by accepting it we’re sullying the good we are doing towards the people we love, and that it stops becoming something compulsory when we assist with a smile on our faces and with an open heart. Black tax can be seen as a burden and an obligation. Even in instances where we do not feel pressed to help out, it doesn’t remove the reality that black tax doesn’t care about your feelings. Someone has to do it. Familial and societal expectations remain.

Going through the threads, the discourse, and missives on this topic, the message was resounding: despite its benefits of strengthening familial bonds, providing support where needed, and fostering a sense of unity at home, black tax can place a big financial burden on the individual who provides it. And this doesn’t change simply because you do it with a smile on your face. We love our families and want the best for them, but taking care of them while trying to build yourself up at the same time, isn’t plausible. Many other races also have this obligation, but the playing field is not the same with Black folk. The systemic reality of black tax is what we should be talking about.

We are all of us trying to build a financial standing for ourselves, but the pace at which we are doing it is a direct result of colonisation and apartheid, a system that saw Black communities oppressed and disenfranchised with little to no economic opportunities. It persists today. We are very much still fighting for economic freedom.

It is why we are at the infancy of trying to build opportunities for our families and a semblance of financial security. We are, and have always been, building from nothing.

****

At Fundza, we value a positive, respectful, and inclusive community where everyone feels safe to share their thoughts. Please remember to keep your comments friendly, constructive, and free from any form of hate speech, bullying, or discrimination. Any comments containing offensive language, personal attacks, or harmful content will be removed, and repeat offenders may be banned. Additionally, do not share personal information about yourself or others. This includes but is not limited to, phone numbers, addresses, or any other private information. Let’s keep the conversation welcoming, safe, and supportive for all!