Promoting self-love and inclusivity: Meet SA's trailblazing plus-size MALE model

TJ Ngoma joins CapeTalk's Sara-Jayne Makwala King for a wide-ranging interview.

We're used to the focus on female bodies in the media and the pressure on women to look a certain, idealised way.

But what about men?

Sara-Jayne Makwala King chats to TJ Ngoma, trailblazing South African plus-size male model.

Ngoma's also on track with his acting ambitions, starring in the recently released movie A Scam Called Love alongside local acting luminaries.

He's also a proud advocate for the black queer community, using his platform to challenge traditional beauty standards and push for greater representation and inclusivity in media.

The actor and model describes himself as 'a Xhosa boy', born and raised in the Eastern Cape.

While he says he loves his home, he left as soon as he was old enough, to study theatre and performance at the University of Cape Town.

"My dad said it's either that or gardening! I said, I'll take the acting, and that's where I began my journey of self."

TJ Ngoma, Model and actor

Entering the modelling industry, he was well aware he'd face mistreatment as a plus-size man, Ngoma says. And it's a strong sense of self that's enabled him to fight for himself.

"I do get mistreated and overlooked a lot. I'll get the option of two outfits for instance, while the mainstream model gets a whole rack of clothing to choose from. It's like a kind of laziness, with people not taking inclusivity seriously and not putting enough care behind it."

TJ Ngoma, Model and actor

"I embrace the term 'plus' - in my experience it represents the struggle I've had to go through to get here. I've had to work extra hard, I've had to go to extra castings, push down extra doors and really push for inclusion in my industry."

TJ Ngoma, Model and actor

While he never felt unattractive himself growing up, outside messaging did make him question that, Ngoma says.

Compliments about being good-looking were often accompanied by the rider that he would be if he lost weight.

The narrative is busy changing, Ngoma adds, as social media's emphasis on body positivity and representation helps people to be more honest in this space.

He's particularly proud of A Scam Called Love because it celebrates inclusivity.

"It's an incredible local film and the first-ever MGM-approved romcom in South Africa."

TJ Ngoma, Model and actor

"And it's the first film I've ever seen that's South African with a male lead that's plus-size, without making this 'a thing'."

TJ Ngoma, Model and actor

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the in-depth interview and watch the trailer for 'A Scam Called Love' below: