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. My great wish is that it will offer a better understanding of the social, economic and political organisation of those affected by ‘black tax’. I see this book as an opportunity to start a necessary dialogue among black South Africans about this aspect of our reality.
– Niq Mhlongo
This past Saturday Literary Alliance Book Club hosted their October #BookClubSaturday at Mushroom Farm park in Sandton to discuss the book Black Tax: Burden or Ubuntu edited by award-winning author Niq Mhlongo. We sat under a willow tree, which I found fitting for Niq who previously authored Soweto, Under the Apricot Tree.
Black Tax: Burden or Ubuntu is an anthology that features 26 essays penned by a whole range of voices from all walks of life, of all ages and from different parts of the country. Some of these voices are seasoned authors and journalists discussing this important subject. Niq and contributor Outlwile Tsipane joined us for the discussion.
The discussion was candid and heavy in some parts as we talked about the many themes in the book which touch on whether the contributors see black tax as a burden or Ubuntu for them personally. From race pay gaps, mental illness, childhood trauma, to an expectation from extended family and in-laws.
Outlwile Tsipane whose essay is titled The door at 1842 Mankuroane Street that let black tax in is a beautiful ode to his grandmother for her selfless acts of kindness towards his family and those around her for many years. I relate to this essay in particular having grown up witnessing my mom, aunts and uncles taking in strangers who became family and relatives along with their children to help in their time of need. I myself have been assisted by friends when I first arrived in Joburg – now I look at things in a different light because in a way their Ubuntu was a form of black tax if you will.
In his introduction on the book, Niq says: “‘Black Tax’ is a highly sensitive and complex topic that is often debated among black South Africans. While these debates are always inconclusive due to the ambiguity, irony and paradoxes that surround it, as black people we all agree that ‘black tax’ is part of our daily lives.”
The book is currently available from all good book stores including the local book distributors featured in the #QuestionswithBookamoso series which I have just wrapped up. Get yourself the book, let’s get talking about black tax and start a #BlackTax revolution.
Black Tax is published by Jonathan Ball Publishers. Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for my copy of Black Tax.
