Elsa Majimbo rant reignites debate on 'black tax'

Kenyan influencer Elsa Majimbo's now-deleted rant against giving family members cash renews a debate.

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The 23-year-old, who shot to fame during the covid pandemic with her comedic videos, touched a nerve when it came to discussing with her 1.8 million followers what is known as “black tax”.

This is when black Africans who achieve a modicum of success, whether at home or abroad, find themselves having to support less well-off family members.

Giving back is seen as an intrinsic part of the African philosophy of ubuntu, which stresses the importance of the family and community, rather than the individual.

The question for many is whether this is an unnecessary and unwelcome burden or part of a community obligation to help pull others up.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg509dp9mjo

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