Black Tax: Burden or Ubuntu?, edited by Niq Mhlongo, is out now from Jonathan Ball Publishers!

‘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

A 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.

Contributors to the book include Dudu Busani-Dube, Fred Khumalo, Lucas Ledwaba, Thanduxolo Jika, Lucas Moloi, Nokubonga Mkhize, Outlwile Tsipane, Niq Mhlongo, Angela Makholwa, Bhekisisa Mncube, Phehello J Mofokeng, Primrose Mrwebi, Bongani Kona, Nkateko Masinga, Chwayita Ngamlana, Lorraine Sithole, Sifiso Mzobe, Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho, Sibongile Fisher, Clinton Chauke, Thabiso Mofokeng, Mohale Mashigo, Monde Nkasawe, Sukoluhle Nyathi, Mzuvukile Maqetuka and Lidudumalingani.

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.

About the editor

Niq Mhlongo is an award-winning novelist, writer of short stories and screenplays (for radio and television), as well as a travel journalist. His fiction, which includes the novels Dog Eat Dog (2004) and After Tears (2007), has received critical acclaim and has won or been shortlisted for a number of literary awards. His work has also been translated into several languages, including French, Dutch, German, Spanish and Italian. Mhlongo has been a writing fellow at a number of institutions around the world. Most notably, he was invited to participate in the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.

Categories Non-fiction South Africa South African Current Affairs

Tags Angela Makholwa Bhekisisa Mncube Black Tax Bongani Kona Chwayita Ngamlana Clinton Chauke Dudu Busani-Dube Fred Khumalo Jonathan Ball Publishers Lidudumalingani Lorraine Sithole Lucas Ledwaba Lucas Moloi Mohale Mashigo Monde Nkasawe Mzuvukile Maqetuka New books New releases Niq Mhlongo Nkateko Masinga Nokubonga Mkhize Outlwile Tsipane Phehello J Mofokeng Primrose Mrwebi Sibongile Fisher Sifiso Mzobe Sukoluhle Nyathi Thabiso Mofokeng Thanduxolo Jika Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho