A large portion of South Africa’s Black population remains restricted by intergenerational education and economic disadvantages. Just 10% of Black individuals have a high-value qualification, and poverty is a daily threat for 76% of South Africans. This risk is greatest among the Black population. In the face of adversity, private transfers between family members are important in the provision of economic and social security. Recently, media discourse on black tax has highlighted the responsibilities that individuals face to financially support their family networks.