by Thinus Ferreira
M-Net has filmed a new 13-episode gender transformation reality series, Becoming for Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) that will be taking viewers inside the various first-person journeys that transgender South Africans go through in the process of changing to the gender that they identify with.
Becoming, produced by Connect TV, will debut on Mzansi Magic on 7 April at 20:00 with half-hour episodes.
Becoming will follow the lives of 4 trans people - Gina Sokoyi who died in late-2020 during the filming of the series, as well as Ramazan Ngobese, Yaya Mavundla and Gugu Kumalo as they face obstacles and various challenges, and will explore the psyche of transgender people as well as the barriers they need to overcome in order to live as their true selves.
Gina Sokoyi was a resident of Welkom in the Free State and worked as a junior lecturer at the Central University of Technology whilst studying towards a master’s degree in language practice.
"The
most compelling aspect about our content offering is that we give viewers
content that is relevant to their lived experiences," says Nomsa Philiso, the director of local entertainment channels at M-Net.
"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," she says.
Gina Sokoyi was a resident of Welkom in the
Free State and worked as a junior lecturer at the Central University of
Technology whilst studying towards a master’s degree in language practice.
"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," Mzansi Magic says.
