Income-earning black South Africans are increasingly falling into debt as they bear the financial burden of supporting their extended family members.
Debt counselor Samantha Moyana said black tax is a significant contributor to rising personal debt.
He attributed this to the financial pressure on employed individuals to help less affluent relatives.
Cultural pressure and financial stress
Moyana said hope is rooted in traditional values of family support.
“You know, when you're independent, and you're the one who works, we believe that you also have to support your family members.”
But he warned that without limits, this support could prove costly.
“Sometimes there are no limits… you take on so much that you find yourself in too much debt.”
Many people feel obligated to give back, especially if their family has contributed to their success.
“You'll always have this feeling of guilt…Now you feel obligated that you need to help your family members.”
loan taken for others
Moyana said many consumers report being highly indebted because they have to support their entire family in addition to their own.
Some people are paying school fees, accommodation, clothes and daily expenses of many relatives.
Others take loans or open clothing accounts to meet these demands.
“You have to take out a loan…or you have clothing accounts because you don't have enough money to buy clothes with cash.”
This creates a cycle where loans are not used for personal needs but to help others.
Risk to record credit
Even when a loan is taken for a family, the legal responsibility remains with the borrower.
Moyana said, “You are the one applying for this… your name is written.”
Failure to repay affects the credit profile of the individual and not the family members who benefited.
“Your name is going to be affected… your credit record is going to be ruined.”
playing with different money personalities
Moyana identified several behavioral patterns that determined how people responded to the black tax:
-The rescuer, who feels responsible for getting others' finances in order
-The people pleaser who struggles to say no.
-Empathy, which cannot separate need from dependence
-The giver, who measures success by how much they give
He said these patterns often lead to stress, anxiety and resentment.
“You can't go to a store and buy that bag… because your family will judge you.”
Legal pressure may increase the burden
In some cases, financial support extends beyond cultural expectation to legal obligation.
Moyana said the Maintenance Act allows courts to order support for family members as a last resort.
This may include siblings If a close relative cannot assist.
It's important to set boundaries
Moyana urged income earners to set clear financial limits.
“It's very important to set clear limits on what you can spend.”
He advised defining a fixed monthly amount and sticking to a budget.
Importantly, he warned against using credit to support others.
“Funding assistance through loans…can quickly turn into long-term debt.”
Open communication with family is also important.
“Be transparent… I can afford this much.”
think before you commit
Moyana said people should avoid making emotional or impulsive decisions when seeking help.
“Rather, think about it carefully before making this decision.”
He stressed that affordability should come first.
“If your affordability won't allow you to do it, don't do it… you're going to end up in a cycle of debt.”
His message was clear: helping families should not come at the expense of financial survival.
Connected
The pressure of the black tax is increasing on working South Africans. For many employed South Africans, the black tax has become a regular financial obligation, often compared to monthly expenses such as insurance or phone bills.
For more, listen to Moyna on CapeTalk using the audio player below: