Abstract
Research has been conducted on black tax and its benefactors with the aim of understanding their
circumstances. This paper aims to provide more refined information on these benefactors, by first
summarising available literature, then soliciting information which clarifies the literature. Information is
collected from benefactors using questionnaires. Consequently, questions included in the questionnaire
were informed by literature and findings are summarised as follows: 1) Literature noted benefactors
struggled to save for eventualities. Data confirms that a third of benefactors did not save for eventualities,
while those able to save, did not save enough; 2) Literature noted that benefactors struggled to save for
retirement. Data established that a quarter of benefactors did not save toward retirement; 3) Literature
found that benefactors were highly indebted. Data determines that only 5% of participants had no debt,
with 95% having some form of debt. Data also found that benefactors had more than two forms of debt;
4) Literature highlighted that benefactors had a thin asset base, leaving them vulnerable to sliding back
into poverty, consequently depending on their salaries for survival. Data shows that a staggering 60% of
participants would be able to sustain their lifestyles for 3 months before sliding back into poverty, while
only 4% said they could sustain themselves for more than 24 months, confirming that majority live from
paycheck to paycheck; 5) Finally, literature alleged that benefactors were first-generation graduates, data
contradicted this, with only 60% of participants reporting they were first-generation graduates. Ultimately,
the data collected "paints a clear picture" on benefactors.