Confused Mhlaba is a play by Khayalethu Mqayisa, first staged in 1974, during the height of apartheid in South Africa. Based in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, it delves into the struggles of black identity amid the harsh political climate of the 1970s. The title, meaning ‘confused world,’ mirrors the characters' turmoil as they navigate their personal and political roles within a racially divided society. The play reflects a time when the black South African community faced immense pressure, balancing their desires for self-preservation with the collective call for resistance. Though initially perceived as advocating political moderation, Confused Mhlaba boldly critiques the oppressive apartheid regime. It takes a firm stance against racial injustice, portraying the internal conflicts of characters as symbolic of the broader societal struggle for liberation. While its message may appear nuanced, the play's opposition to apartheid and the portrayal of the black community's challenges under an unjust system are unmistakable. The play's powerful themes led to its censorship in 1975, yet it remains a crucial work in South African theatre, symbolizing the enduring fight against oppression and the complexities of black identity in an oppressive state.