Ever heard the undertone of the saying that sometimes your success isn’t your own, but rather it is for those who came after you. This scenario may be common say around an individual’s undergraduate ceremony, where their successful completion automatically compels them to now take on the mantle of taking care of those that follow them, could be cousins, siblings or even a relative’s.
This is purely from a pure place of love, and also, we have to keep in mind that, as Africa, we are a communal group, and so, we thrive in communities, working together, uplifting the other and offering sort of a safety net for the other at all times. I mean, our hospitality is part of the reason as to why, Africa, or even Uganda is top of mind when one wishes to visit a country, outside their own.
That concept of that responsibility/ social contract is referred to as “black tax”, a deeply ingrained practice within many cultures. For the longest of times, I have wished to discuss this topic on here, and this couldn’t be at any more opportune time than now, that the children are returning to school to resume their studies for second term. For most parents, guardians or even care givers, it is that time when they have to dig deep into their pockets to ensure school fees, and all academic essentials are aligning, to facilitate the smooth studying of those under their care. But what does this mean to say a 25-year-old (let’s call them Patty) who might have recently graduated, works an entry-level job and is probably expected to come through for a sibling, and at the same time fend for themselves?
That’s where the concept of my discussion today comes in; examining its origins, pros and cons, and perhaps offering some strategies for managing this complex dynamic in a healthy way.
“Black Tax” term originated in colonial South Africa due to systemic racial inequities that limited access to quality education, well-paying jobs, and the ability to build intergenerational wealth for marginalized communities. This led those who broke the cycle of poverty to feel a deep moral obligation to “pull up” their less fortunate relatives. While the term originated in South Africa, it is now used globally, and the framework is common across the African continent and even in the US.
Contrary to its name, black tax isn’t about race; it’s a form of “tax”, usually a way for those who have achieved some success/ breakthrough to support those that could be less fortunate. It also picks its origin from the philosophy of Ubuntu; a philosophy that emphasizes community, interdependence, and the belief that a person’s worth is measured by their interactions with others. It suggests that individuals should support each other and contribute to the collective well-being.
Black tax as a double edged sword has its pros and cons but first, here are some of the various ways it manifests: Direct Financial Support.This includes providing upkeep for parents, supporting siblings through school, and covering household needs. As mentioned, it is totally okay to do any of the above, as it is an act of love, giving back or gratitude or as a way of supporting the family/ communal ecosystem. However for 25-year-old Patty, this might feel like an instinctive gesture of care, yet many who shoulder black tax are often burdened with persistent guilt in spending on themselves.
Assuming Head of Family Roles (Parentification): Young earners may find themselves treated as de facto heads of families, taking on caregiving financial support responsibilities typically falling to parents, often without receiving the same level of care in return. They are seen as providers, not individuals who might also need help or tenderness. Refusing these expectations can be interpreted as abandoning family. This also happens mainly to first born children in households where they are pre-conditioned to take up the role of parenting their younger siblings.
Mental and Emotional Pressure: The financial obligation is only one part; the mental and emotional pressure, often invisible, can be just as heavy. There’s a constant, sometimes unspoken, expectation to fulfill familial duties, even at the cost of one’s well-being and personal dreams. Black Tax then ceases being an act of love, but an obligation at this point.
Despite its challenges, Black Taxhas some positive aspects to it. Among these being that it provides a Social Safety Net. In contexts like ours where government social care is limited or non-existent, black tax often serves as the only way families escape destitution, acting as a vital social safety net.
In a way, it Fosters Family Connection and Pride: For some individuals, providing support brings a sense of pride and strengthens family bonds. To some, providing provides a sense of pride as they get to be looked at as a man/ woman capable of holding and supporting his own. Providing gives a feel-good emotion of knowing that you are reliable.
Encourages Financial Discipline and Innovation.Some individuals argue that having these responsibilities motivates them to have a sense of financial management, to manage their money effectively and seek additional income streams. That the pressure to support family motivates some individuals to work harder.
Cons of Black Tax
Often overlooked, black tax can have some really significant negative impacts. To start with, Financial Strain and Limited Personal Growth. Young professionals, especially those just starting their careers, face immense financial pressure. For a young professional (like Patty that we used as our case study above) earning 650,000 Ugandan Shillings (approximately 151 USD), has responsibilities/ bills like rent, transportation, food, medical, electricity all eyeing the same salary. Fending for others can make it nearly impossible to save, invest, or pursue personal aspirations like marriage and building a family of his own with time, due to the financial anxiety and given economic scenario.
It also impedes Wealth Accumulation. Black tax can diminish an individual’s capacity to invest, save for retirement, or build capital for starting a business, particularly for those who already lack a generational nest egg. A report by the Institute of Policy Studies revealed that 37% of Black families in the US (where black tax is also common) have debts equal to or greater than their assets.
Persistent Guilt and Mental Drain. Many who shoulder black tax are burdened with persistent guilt when spending on themselves. Gwe just imagine being guilty for buying yourself a new pair of shoes, or treating yourself to a burger; yet in the actual sense you deserved the treat, I mean you worked for the money yourself, and besides, you gotta celebrate/ reward yourself sometimes. The mental and emotional pressure can be just as heavy as the financial obligation, leading to significant stress and a sense of being sidelined or unappreciated if expectations are not met.
Cycle of Dependence and Entitlement: Unfortunately, the cycle of dependence often persists. Rather than raising independent family members, black tax can foster extreme reliance and entitlement. This can be seen in scenarios where family may feel entitled to benefiting from you continuously. There’s a song ‘Bizibu Family’ by a one Mathia Walukaga, about how being the husband of the house, his wife brought in all her nephews, nieces, and relatives’ needs one after another. From one without school fees, to one who had fled her marriage and was seeking refugee, then Mathia’s mother-in-law who had seen a plot of land she had spotted and so needed money to go and buy it. There’s then an instance where Mathia’s father-in-law also comes to his office seeking for financial assistance, as those who are owing him are on his case. The cycle of dependence in the Black Tax is never ending.
Impact on Relationships: The burden of black tax can strain marital relationships, especially for men, as the family may view the spouse as a “threat” to the financial support they receive. For women, after meeting their obligations, they may have little to nothing left, leading to financial dependence on partners and potentially compelling them to remain in unhealthy relationships or seek relationships based on financial gain. There could also be an issue where the woman may feel that her husband is overly spending on his outside family (that is, sisters, brothers, aunties etc.), hence affecting the family’s income.
While black tax may never completely disappear, it’s possible to navigate it in a way that fosters support rather than perpetual obligation. Here’s how to Manage Black Tax for a Healthy Balance:
Open and Honest Communication. Hard as it may sound. It is important to have frank conversations with your family about the burden of black tax, your financial capabilities, and what you can and cannot do. I am not saying it will come easy but be prepared for potential misunderstanding or rejection, but prioritize your well-being, and not shooting above that that you can handle in terms of making promises/ commitments and later failing to deliver on them, and then you are the ‘bad guy’ in the story.
Setting Healthy Boundaries: Establish clear financial boundaries. This could involve creating a specific “money pot” for family support and setting a limit on it. This means understanding what your income is, what expenses are yours (personal) and those that are skippable (how much you are able to commit towards Black Tax). Having savings pots helps with that, as you are able to live up to your personal and family obligations, again, depending on the volume of your black tax expense. In this example of school, you could commit to maybe being the one in charge of buying the sibling scholastic materials and maybe their entry term pocket money. See? It’s not as costly, but still you are able to support to your capability.
Prioritize Self-Care (The Aero plane Scenario): Remember the flight attendant’s advice: “put your oxygen mask on first.” You can only effectively help others if you are financially stable and well-protected. Taking care of your personal needs, saving, and investing is crucial for your long-term financial health.
Foster Independence: Instead of perpetual financial handouts, aim to help family members become more independent. This could mean a one-off sponsorship for them to learn a trade, access educational resources, or start a small business. Just like the saying that goes around that when someone asks for fish, hand them a net and teach them how to fish, instead of giving them fish all the time. That way you have empowered them, and pulled them up the ladder with you, instead of their weight stagnating you.
Demand Accountability. I guess this is self-explanatory. But well, encourage transparency and accountability from family members regarding financial requests. While culturally challenging, asking for projected expenses and budgets can help ensure funds are used effectively and foster financial responsibility.
I do believe that by implementing clear strategies for communication, boundaries, and accountability, individuals can thrive and support their families, while creating a healthier balance, and transforming black tax from an endless burden into a source of support for future generations. What do you think? Have you experienced Black Tax before? How did you counter/ handle it? Share your thoughts with me. I am @Mugibson on X (former Twitter) and elsewhere online. For features/ article contributions; Send me an Email here.