Black Tax, Niq Mhlongo Ed.
Black Tax, Niq Mhlongo Ed.
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Black Tax
Burden ... or Ubuntu?

Author: Niq Mhlongo (Ed.)

Narrator: Sello Sebotsane, Peggy Tunyiswa, SK Tsubane, Mark Mwaba, Tshamano Sebe, Chumisa Cosa, Neo Mbabama, Nolifundiso Jamndu

Unabridged: 7 hr 48 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/05/2023

Synopsis

The real significance of this book lies in the fact that it tells us more about the everyday life of black South Africans. It delves into the essence of black family life and the secret anguish of family members who often battle to cope. – Niq MhlongoA secret torment for some, a proud responsibility for others, ‘black tax’ is a daily reality for thousands of black South Africans. In this thought-provoking and moving anthology, a provocative range of voices share their deeply personal stories.With the majority of black South Africans still living in poverty today, many black middle-class households are connected to working-class or jobless homes. Some believe supporting family members is an undeniable part of African culture and question whether it should even be labelled as a kind of tax.Others point to the financial pressure it places on black students and professionals, who, as a consequence, struggle to build their own wealth. Many feel they are taking over what is essentially a government responsibility.The contributions also investigate the historical roots of black tax, the concept of the black family and the black middle class. In giving voice to so many different perspectives, Black Tax hopes to start a dialogue on this widespread social phenomenon.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Zinhle on December 23, 2019

As an over 40 black female in this country, everything touched in this book, I have experienced. From accepting not to get what you want because you are over 10 kids in one household and there is one or two people working to support all of you, receiving assistance from distant relatives and some co......more

Goodreads review by Letlhogonolo on October 30, 2019

'The real significance of this book lies in the fact that it tells us more about the everyday life of black South Africans. It delves into the essence of black family life and the secret anguish of family members who often battle to cope.' –@niq.mhlongo This anthology brings together a diverse choir......more

Goodreads review by Ferdinand on January 11, 2020

This book gets repetitive very quickly. I was on page 106 and thought but if this book doesn’t change gears I might not finish it. The cover asks the question is black tax a burden or Ubuntu yet most, if not all the essays (all 26 of them) are geared towards it being “Ubuntu” with no one giving an O......more

Goodreads review by Rolland on October 09, 2019

Great books that will make one angry, sad and proud all at once Angry due to the realization of how ego drives some people to feel entitled to be given credit all the time, how they are entitled to your salary and even your soul Sad, because we live in a socioeconomic context that has broken apart fam......more

Goodreads review by Chiseke Chiteta on December 27, 2020

An interesting read. I came to know about this book through a Zambian book readers 'club' Twitter account. Every week, someone runs the account (what is called curating) and poses different questions about books and all. Though this book is written in the context of South Africa, as a Zambian I could......more

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