Katlego Sekhu

Calvin Ratladi, a versatile actor and playwright, has taken on the challenging role of Goloza, Zwide’s secret brother, in the popular Mzansi Magic series, Shaka iLembe.
Goloza’s character faces adversity due to his disability, which would have led to his abandonment at birth. However, his mother, Ntombazi, portrayed by Khabonina, refuses to part with him and raises him in secret caves with hyenas. Ratladi spoke to the Sowetan about his anticipation for this opportunity, having waited since 2019 when Angus Gibson, co-founder of Bomb Productions, introduced the idea.
He expressed his gratitude for the experience, highlighting the dedication of the production team and fellow cast members to the craft. Ratladi enjoys portraying Goloza, despite misconceptions about his character resembling a zombie.
“It was amazing to shoot the character. Bomb Productions just knows how to take someone through a journey. Angus Gibson will come to you in the morning and greet you way before you start shooting. He will ask you if you are fine and ready. I enjoyed working with them. As much as I work with popular stars… during the shoot you could see that we were all there about the craft not to influence people.
“But people think that he is a zombie because of the white powder that is poured on his body. The white powder is normally used [traditionally] to prevent body odour. The same powder was used on [the zombie] Umgijimi in Isibaya,” explained Ratladi.
Despite this, Ratladi holds no reservations about on-screen nudity. “I have acted naked before, and I am fine with that because I have already owned up to my body,” he said in part.
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