By Tamlyn Canham
Makgotso Monyemorathoe says mainstream media has defined what being African looks and sounds like.
But she says Africa is a diverse continent. The actress shared an eye-opening account of her experience in the industry.
“I have been told countless times when auditioning for certain roles that I don’t look African or South African enough. Which is absurd because I am both of those things. Also, black British roles have been a myth lol. And I have been told (not in so many words) to accept it because that’s is just how the industry is,” she wrote on Instagram.
Makgotso says she understands that some roles require a “specific look”, but the idea of what an Africa woman should look is is “one specific look and sound”.
“Africa is so diverse. South Africa alone is so diverse in culture, traditions, languages, accents, looks, food, music etc. [Let] alone the 53 other countries that are in Africa,” she wrote on Instagram.
READ: Florence Masebe accuses soapies of butchering African languages
Proud African woman
The actress says she is a proud African woman. She adds that she is using her voice to help change industry perceptions.
“In expressing the discrimination I have faced and continue to face for looking the way I do, I am not disregarding the discrimination that darker-skinned black people have faced and are still facing. In talking about my struggles and pain, I am by no means disregarding another person’s struggles and pain.
“And I am one person. My personal experiences do not cover the experiences of all black people.”
Makgotso says “representation is important”.
“When I watch TV, film, theatre or print/digital media we should see all kinds of people from different backgrounds, different abilities, different sexes, sizes etc. Art is an imitation of life. And life is not just black and white. Tall or short, slim or curvy. As a people we are so diverse. I learn something new every day.”
READ: Sizwe Dhlomo shares message of hope with South Africans



