Becoming S1

This new reality show is set to give Mzansi Magic viewers a first-person account of the journey that transgender South Africans go through in the process of changing their gender to the one that they identify as.

While many South Africans often have to endure the challenges that come with changing one’s gender on their own, the process also affects their family and friends. Becoming will follow the lives of four trans people, Gina Sokoyi, Ramazan Ngobese, Yaya Mavundla and Gugu Kumalo, as they face many obstacles and find ways to overcome them.

“The most compelling aspect about our content offering is that we give viewers content that is relevant to their lived experiences. Our reality shows have grown in popularity over the past few years and this compelling series will not only entertain, but it will also inform and educate. It will hopefully help viewers understand how trans South Africans navigate through prejudice in their respective communities,” says Nomsa Philiso, the Director of Local Entertainment Channels at M-Net.

Now that the first episode has aired, emotions are running high for members of the cast and crew on the set of Becoming as they remember and pay tribute to Gina Sokoyi, one of the four people featured in the show, who sadly passed on late last year while the show was being filmed.

This 13-part reality show will, without judgment, delve deeper into the psyche of being a transgender person, as well as the barriers they need to overcome to live as their true selves.

Viewers should expect an honest and heartfelt show that will reveal all aspects of gender transformation – from taking a closer look at psychological impact and gender dysmorphia, to hormonal changes and the emotional impact on each individual.

Becoming airs every Wednesday on Mzansi Magic, channel 161 at 20:00pm and express to DStv online.