Calvin Seretle Ratladi (born 29 January 1991) is a multi-award-winning South African actor, director, playwright, and choreographer. He rose to national prominence through his breakout television role as Goloza in the Shaka iLembe. Beyond television, Ratladi has established himself as a powerful voice in theatre, with work that explores identity, body politics, and advocacy for people living with disabilities.
Biography Profile 
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Full Real Name: Calvin Seretle Ratladi |
Birth Place: Witbank (eMalahleni), Mpumalanga |
Date of Birth: 29 January 1991 (Age - 35) |
Occupation: Director, Playwright, and Choreographer |
Education: B.Tech degree in Drama (Tshwane University of Technology) |
Other Works: Lecture at TUT, UP |
Nationality: South African |
Early Life and Education of Calvin Ratladi
Calvin Seretle Ratladi was born and raised in Witbank (eMalahleni), Mpumalanga, and maintains strong ties to Limpopo, where his family resides. He lives with kyphoscoliosis, a condition that causes an abnormal curvature of the spine. Rather than limiting him, this condition has become central to his artistic expression and activism. [1]
He obtained a B.Tech degree in Drama (Cum Laude) from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2016. He later pursued postgraduate studies and is currently a Master’s candidate at the University of Pretoria. [2]
Before gaining widespread recognition, Ratladi worked extensively in community theatre and volunteered with various organisations. He also served as a community leader in Alexandra, demonstrating an early commitment to social development.
Career of Calvin Ratladi
Ratladi career spans theatre, television, and academia, reflecting his versatility as both a performer and creator. He has collaborated with notable institutions such as the Calvin Ratladi Foundation and Centre for the Less Good Idea. [3]
Television and Film:
- Goloza in Shaka iLembe (2023), a role that earned him widespread acclaim for its depth and authenticity.
- Appeared in Animus & Ensemble in Dis[illusion] (2014).
Theatre Work:
- Directed productions such as Mies Julie, King Lear, and Silent Scars.
- Wrote plays including The Ram And Its Behind and MaNgoyi – The Life of Lilian Ngoyi.
- Curated the international theatre project A Gathering in a Better World (GIABW). [4]
Academic and Professional Roles:
Ratladi is a lecturer at the University of Pretoria and previously lectured at the Tshwane University of Technology, contributing to the development of emerging theatre practitioners. [5]
Awards and Recognition of Calvin Ratladi
Ratladi has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the arts:
- Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Theatre (2025)
- SAFTA Outstanding Person with Disability Award (2022)
- Naledi Theatre Awards – Lesedi Spirit of Courage Award (2019)
- ImpACT Award for Young Professionals (Theatre) (2019)
- Two Standard Bank Ovation Awards
These honours reflect both his artistic excellence and his impact on representation in the industry. [5]
Personal Life and Legacy
Ratladi is a proud father who often speaks about resilience, representation, and purpose. He actively challenges stereotypes surrounding disability, particularly in African storytelling, using his platform to promote inclusivity and authentic narratives.
His work continues to shape conversations around identity and embodiment in the arts, positioning him as a leading figure in contemporary South African theatre and performance.
Related Posts
Sources |
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| 1. | Youth Village ZA | 10 Interesting Facts About Shaka iLembe’s Calvin Ratladi | youthvillage.co.za |
| 2. | The South African Theatre Village | Our Company’s first ever MCM: Ratladi. Here’s why… | southafricantheatrevillage. wordpress.com |
| 3. | The Cultural Magazine of the Goethe-Institute | Calvin Ratladi – Producer, director and actor | www.goethe.de |
| The Citizen | ‘Most are excited about the Shaka guy, in theatre I’m a different guy’ – Ratladi after winning award | www.citizen.co.za | |
| 5. | University of Pretoria | UP Lecturer wins 2025 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Theatre | www.up.ac.za |
