BY NYASHA PILOTO

‘’Black Tax’’ is a term that is making the buzz among Americans. It is the general concept of having to financially provide for your parents and extended family as soon as one can stand on his or her own two feet.

Some do not give this obligation any second thought, as it is an unquestionable obligation that is unspoken as it is only natural for a child to pay respects to parents and family by providing financially. On the other hand, you have muffled voices expressing how this concept is one of the many reasons why many are lagging in terms of financial progress, lifestyle and economic freedom, compared to peers who are not obligated to financially care for the family.

The Comb. a BBC Africa podcast, discussed this concept with three young professionals. The words ‘unspoken contract’ is used to describe how it is only automatic for parents to sigh relief when the children complete their education and begin working. The ‘automatic contract’ varies from household to household depending on the family dynamics. One may have to also financially take on siblings’ needs in the form of school fees and clothes, on top of the immediate parental desires and needs.

 Another may need to stretch his or her salary to meet the needs of grandparents, cousins, nieces and nephews. One rarely lands a multi-million job once out of school, but one has to make it work as it is a ‘contract.’ To this, Dellah, a 28-year-old Ghanaian professional, says that if it was not for ‘dependency,’ she would have been further along in her progression. She expresses how she is unable to purchase a desktop for a digital business she wishes to begin, as the money is never enough due to black tax.

On the other hand, Charles from Kenya shares that he does not see this as a burden, but wishes for the dynamics of black tax to be structured differently. He says he wishes that siblings would come together and contribute to a fund that is specifically for caring for the family’s needs. It is the expectation of him as the only sibling who is ‘’fairing well financially,’’ to care for an extended family. He shares that each month, 60% of his salary goes to helping the family, and he is only left with 40%. With the help of other siblings, as little as they may be earning, he thinks he could be further along in life.

Black Tax is a controversial term on its own on the African continent. The dynamics also affect Africans in the diaspora who are expected to care for the familial tribe back at home. The perceptions, emotions and realities of this concept differ from one individual and household to the next.