While farmers produce food for the nation, feeding their own families also comes as a high priority. For many small-scale farmers, the concept of black tax is a reality they, unfortunately, cannot escape.
Black tax is a term that originated in South Africa for money that black professionals provide to their families every month outside of their own living expenses, usually out of obligation.
Food For Mzansi spoke to farmers across the country to hear their thoughts and own experiences of black tax.
Farmer sacrifices
A vegetable farmer in KwaZulu-Natal, Sthembile Ngubane, said she is affected by black tax.
“Yes, black tax exists. I contribute R3 000 to my family even though I do not stay with them. I am renting in Durban and must still take care of myself here, all this is done through the earnings I get from my farm,” she said.
Ngubane farms on an open space in the backyard of a local school. This, she said, is impacting her growth.
“It is something you cannot take away because you know parents will be saying ‘I have raised you and I did all that for you’, so it’s something to stomach and keep moving.”
“You cannot neglect home, you cannot look the other way as if you cannot see that your family is suffering or they need your assistance.”
Ngubane said it didn’t matter if she’s had a good or bad month, she must still send money home.
“At some point, I have to withhold some of the bills that are farm-related so that I can send money home and ensure that the family has got everything they need,” she said.
There is no way out of it
A poultry farmer in the Northern Cape, Nqobile Khumalo, said their operations are based at their parents’ home, so black tax is the order of the day.
“I could say our business is the biggest income contributor in the household followed by my parents’ salaries.
“We are still operating in the yard of our home contributing to the family, so all our income is partially spent at home,” she added.
Another poultry farmer, Maphate Rakoma from Limpopo, said on average she spends about R7 000 on her family from the earnings she makes as a farmer.
“I do support my family and my son, unfortunately. It is what it is, I must look after them, though I believe that the money I use monthly for my family could make a huge difference in my operations,” she said.
Besides taking strain financially, Rakoma is able to manage.
We stick together
Livestock farmer in the Northern Cape, Kedibone Kaweng, said with the devastating rate of unemployment, the profit from her farm must be shared with eight family members.
“I was born and bred in a poverty-stricken village with few opportunities. It is very painful and exhausting to hustle and make ends meet and be faced with so many challenges that pertain to farming.
“So, for me, I know and understand the challenges that people go through; that is why I would go out of my way for my people to have a better future,” she said.
Kaweng said she also had to minimise reliance on herself by employing three family members into the operations so that they also can have an income.
Mmadipilo Letlape, a livestock farmer in North West, said she is surrounded by a very supportive family who understands that she is still in the growing phase of farming.
“For me, it is about supporting one another. There are times when I am unable to pay my herdsman and they would chip in and assist.
“So, it is only fair for me to support them when I can and they do not demand that much as they understand that I have a long way to go on my farming journey,” she said.
READ NEXT: Grab indaba tickets before they’re gone!
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
