Khaya Dladla, a multi-talented South African actor, radio presenter, casting director, and entrepreneur, is determined to reshape the portrayal of queer characters in the media. Known for his role as GC on Uzalo, Dladla has grown tired of the stereotypical depiction of LGBTQIA+ characters as mere comic relief and is now using his influence behind the scenes to push for more authentic representation.
Moving Beyond Stereotypes
Dladla’s journey in the entertainment industry began with his breakout role as GC on Uzalo, where his character was a flamboyant, promiscuous gay man with poor English, often serving as comic relief. While Dladla appreciates the career boost that GC provided, he has no desire to repeat such roles. He believes the portrayal of queer characters as “fluff, impoverished, and uneducated” fails to represent the true diversity and strength of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I felt like I had done everything I could do with the character, and the offers I got after GC were the same, just with different names,” Dladla explains. “I wanted something different.”
Expanding His Range
Seeking to break away from typecasting, Dladla took on a role completely different from GC. He portrayed Nxebale Ndoda, a gangster-affiliated police officer in eHostela, a show on Mzansi Magic. The character was a hardcore killer with a huge scar on his face and a single eye, a far cry from the flamboyant GC. This role allowed Dladla to showcase his range as an actor and prove that he could handle more intense and complex characters.
“It was a flex,” Dladla admits. “It was a physically taxing role, so I couldn’t wait for Nxebale Ndoda to be written off the show. But it was necessary to remind people of my versatility.”
Shaping the Narrative
Now working as a casting director, Dladla is committed to changing how queer characters are portrayed on screen. His current role as Lazarus, a queer fashion designer on e.tv’s House of Zwide, reflects this mission. Dladla made it clear from the beginning that he wanted Lazarus to be more than just a stereotype. “I said we are done showing gay characters as fluff. Can we have them be smart and in power because they are in power in real life.”
As a result, Lazarus is a respected leader in the fashion industry, depicted as classy, calm, and knowledgeable. He is also the best friend of the fashion house’s head, a straight married man, which Dladla believes is an important dynamic to portray.
In future episodes of House of Zwide, the show will explore issues such as the infringement of transgender women’s rights, including everyday challenges like using the correct restroom. Dladla is excited to see these stories being told with care and sincerity.
A Lifelong Passion
Dladla’s love for acting began in his childhood, growing up in Umlazi township in Durban. His parents enrolled him in acting classes to channel his energy, and he has been acting professionally since he was eight years old. Reflecting on his journey, Dladla recalls how he didn’t even realize he was getting paid for his performances until a friend pointed it out.
Now, Dladla is not only an actor but also a casting director, helping to nurture the next generation of South African talent. He is passionate about finding and promoting new talent, often discovering actors through unconventional means, including social media.
Representing the LGBTQIA+ Community
Though Dladla didn’t initially see himself as an activist, he now recognizes the impact of his work on the LGBTQIA+ community. He strives to ensure that their stories are told authentically and that the media representation of the community goes beyond the usual focus on gay men and lesbians, highlighting the full spectrum of identities.
“What is lacking in media representations of the LGBTQIA+ community is the story of everyone in the community,” Dladla says. “We only ever focus on the G and a bit of the L, but there is a whole spectrum that is ignored.”
As Khaya Dladla continues to challenge stereotypes and advocate for better representation, his work is helping to shape a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of queer characters on South African screens.
