Ramodike – a former law student at the University of the Free State (UFS) – puts the issue of black tax at the front and centre of her semi-autobiographical debut novel, ‘From An Empty Pride To A Full Price’. The loose definition of black tax, is the burden placed on young working professionals in South Africa to look after their family financially, all whilst still finding their feet, in their careers. However in her book, Ramodike toys with what’s the price that you may pay should you rebel against what feels like a generational curse for many impoverished youths in the country – black tax - and choose not to support your family members financially.

 The 24-year-old author who originally hails from Limpopo and is now a second-year forensic science and technology student at the University of South Africa (UNISA), knows all too well, about the burden of black tax. Her mother died whilst she was in grade 12 in February 2014, leaving her to fend for her siblings as the eldest daughter with some assistance from her grandparents whilst she finished off her schooling. She says however once an adult, the responsibility of looking after her siblings now lay squarely on her shoulders. She had to even use the allowance money given to her by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to help buy food for her siblings. This experience prompted her to want to write a book centred on the contentious issue of black tax.

 Birthing the book, also presented its own challenges for Marcia, as she shares her publishing experience on the OFM Business Hour. This however is not deterring her from wanting to publish more books in the future. She says she is mulling over some ideas for a children’s book as well as an autobiography that dives into the loss of her mother and other experiences that have made her who she is.