A new reality show, 'Becoming', is set to give Mzansi Magic viewers a first-person account of the journey that transgender South Africans have to go through as they transition to the gender they identify with. 

While many South Africans often have to endure the challenges that come with affirming one’s true gender on their own, the process usually affects their family and friends as well. 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, it will 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. 

When the first episode hits the small screen, emotions will run high for members of the cast and crew on the set of Becoming as they will remember and later pay tribute to Gina Sokoyi, one of the four trans people, who sadly passed on late, last year while the show was being shot. 

A resident of Welkom in the Free State, Gina worked as a junior lecturer at the Central University of Technology in her town, and she was studying towards her Master’s Degree in Language Practice.

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 in order to live as their true selves. 

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

Catch the Premiere of Becoming on Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 161 from 7 April 2021 at 20:00.