'Some family members make us their financial plan' — Prince Kaybee on black tax in families

Prince Kaybee has weighed in on the pressures of black tax.

Reacting to actor Jet Novuka's comment about how black people have turned helping people into a bad thing, dubbing it as black tax and thinking they are above helping people, Kaybee said while he understood his sentiments, there were many incidents where family members took advantage.

“The conversation is more idealistic than realistic. If families were a utopia where there were no toxic and exploitive family members, blackmail, guilt, and, to some degree, force young people to fund their lifestyle, then this would be true.

“We all want to help our families and share what we have, but some family members make us their financial plan. Plenty of young black kids live in depression, and some commit suicide because they are made to feel worthless when they cannot give to greedy families.”

Many celebrities have spoken about the financial roles they've had to assume since securing a livelihood. 

Skeem Saam actor Clement Maosa previously told TshisaLIVE in 2019 that he looked after his siblings after his parents' death.

“I grew up without a mom and dad, and when I started working I had to start looking after my siblings. Even today, I look after my siblings. When you start working you want to better the situation at home, but at the same time now have your own responsibilities.”

Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.