What are the experiences and perceptions on Black Tax by newly employed first generation black graduates from Soweto?

Abstract: First-generation black graduates are faced with black tax, whilst also dealing with social exclusions caused by historical disparities that are reflected in the current high unemployment rates of black people in South Africa. Black tax impacts the wealth building of black professionals and as a result they have to navigate building wealth and financially contributing towards financial expenses. Thus, this study examines this phenomenon. A qualitative research approach was used for this study, and the life history method was adopted for an in-depth analysis of the participants. Data was collected through telephonic (due to Covid-19 regulations) narrative interviews of four employed graduates from Soweto to understand their experiences and perception of black tax. The study used the class struggle and intersectionality theory to analyse the findings, the study found that black tax is perceived an ‘African’ phenomenon and a result of historical racial segregation that have shaped the lives of black people.M.A. (Industrial Sociology