Every year, on March 31st, the world observes International Transgender Day of Visibility—a day dedicated to recognizing the contributions, achievements, and challenges of transgender people worldwide.

South Africa has a vibrant community of transgender individuals making significant impacts in fields like entertainment, fashion, and activism. Here are some South African transgender celebrities whose journeys have inspired and helped raise awareness about transgender rights and visibility.

1. Eleven de Berg, a.k.a. Baby Caramel

Eleven de Berg, also known by her stage name “Baby Caramel,” is a model, musician, and one of South Africa’s few openly transgender celebrities. She has built a career in pop and electronic dance music, with tracks like Set It Off garnering attention.

Baby Caramel is not only celebrated for her artistry but also for her activism within the LGBTQ+ community, where she champions transgender rights and visibility. Her courage in publicly embracing her identity has inspired many, making her an important figure in South Africa’s cultural landscape.

2. Mosi Zuma

Mosi Zuma, a successful makeup artist and fashion model, has been making waves in South Africa’s beauty and fashion industry. As the founder of Makeup by Mosi Academy, she has not only cultivated a thriving business but also trained others in her craft.

Mosi’s journey has not been without its challenges; she has spoken candidly about losing clients after embracing her true self. Her resilience in overcoming these obstacles and continuing to build her brand has earned her a devoted following. She also serves as a television presenter on Moja Love TV, where she uses her platform to raise awareness about the transgender community.

3. Nisaa Motala

Nisaa Motala made history as the first transgender woman to participate in the Miss South Africa pageant. She competed with a strong sense of purpose—to represent transgender individuals and make their voices heard.

Although she did not make it to the final rounds, her participation alone broke barriers and resonated deeply with fans and fellow LGBTQ+ community members. Nisaa’s boldness in stepping into one of South Africa’s biggest beauty platforms has set an example and encouraged others to chase their dreams, regardless of their gender identity.

4. Yaya Mavundla

Yaya Mavundla is not only a prominent transgender celebrity in South Africa but also one of the most vocal activists for transgender rights. She gained recognition for organizing Thembisa Queer Market, which celebrates queer culture and provides a platform for LGBTQ+ businesses.

In 2021, Yaya starred in Becoming, South Africa’s first reality show focusing on the lives of transgender people. Her work earned her the Sowetan Women’s Club Trendsetter Award, and she was also honored as Socialite of the Year at the Feather Awards in 2018. Through her activism, style, and television appearances, Yaya has become an icon of South African queer culture.

5. Tholang Motsumi

Tholang Motsumi has become one of South Africa’s most recognized transgender personalities. Known for her role in the reality TV show The Winging It, Tholang shares her journey of transitioning and personal growth.

Assigned male at birth, Tholang felt from a young age that her identity did not align with her assigned gender. She began her transition after high school, and her openness has allowed viewers to witness her journey, cultivating a fan base that appreciates her authenticity. As a prominent figure in South African media, Tholang continues to inspire and educate the public on transgender issues.

6. Anatii Gobeni

Although Anatii Gobeni has not openly defined his gender identity, he has often been speculated to be transgender due to his feminine presentation. Anatii has mentioned being openly gay, which can sometimes blur public perceptions about his identity.

While Anatii has chosen not to label himself, his distinct style and presence in the entertainment industry have sparked meaningful conversations around gender fluidity and transgender representation in South Africa. Regardless of how he identifies, Anatii’s work in the public eye helps broaden the visibility of diverse gender expressions and nonconforming identities.

7. Selbyonce Mkhize

Popular radio personality Selbyonce Mkhize, also known as Selby, is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most beloved radio hosts. Although she previously identified as openly gay, Selby recently confirmed that she now embraces her gender identity as a woman. Selby’s journey to self-acceptance has been one of uncertainty and transformation.

In a recent interview, she revealed that although she had always identified with femininity, she only recently found peace in fully embracing her identity as a woman. Selby’s openness about her transition has brought support from fans and helped her create a dialogue around transgender issues on her widely followed radio show.

These seven figures represent a growing community of South African transgender individuals who are not only achieving success but also advocating for acceptance and understanding of transgender rights.

As South Africa continues to evolve in its understanding of gender identity, figures like Eleven de Berg, Mosi Zuma, and Selbyonce Mkhize serve as both role models and advocates, shedding light on the beauty and resilience of the transgender community. By celebrating these individuals, we recognize their courage and the positive impact they have on society, promoting a world where everyone can live as their authentic selves.

As International Transgender Day of Visibility reminds us each year, honoring transgender voices is crucial to fostering a more inclusive world.