Taking care of your children and parents
Your folks raised you and did their best to give you most of your needs. Is it perhaps payback time?
Some people call it ‘black tax’, others call it ‘the sandwich generation’. Either way, it refers to people who have the responsibility of taking care of both their children and their elderly parents. When we asked around Krugersdorp and Kagiso, many people said it adds to their list of expenses.
Karabo Modupe of Krugersdorp’s CBD said she always sends her parents in the North West money, but also has to support her three young children. “It’s too much, let’s hope 2018 will see a boost in our economy,” she said.
Although the sandwich generation appears to be more common in black households and communities, it also occurs elsewhere. For instance, Luke le Grange supports both his children and his parents. “Times are tough, everything goes up. Perhaps my father could still work but since losing his job in the 2009 recession, he hasn’t been able to find another one, so I have to assist,” said Luke.
Kefilwe Moloi and her husband, from Kagiso, have to take care of their children, parents and other older dependents in the family. “Our elders once helped us when we were in school and unemployed, but now the tables have turned. I think it’s only fair,” said Kefilwe.
Moses Nkosi said the sandwich generation puts workers under pressure, and unemployed people should get grants from government.
“We already have so many expenses but poverty is worse in South Africa. The once proposed unemployment grants should be reinstated,” he said.
Whether it’s fair or not, the so-called ‘black tax’ is likely to become more prevalent, with more and more working adults having to take care of more than just themselves and their children, especially since times seem to be getting tougher on a daily basis.
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