Celebrity sangoma Gogo Tyra Manzini, a transgender woman from Secunda, Mpumalanga, is set to undergo a series of transformative surgeries in Turkey, costing her over R310,000. The procedures include a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), tummy tuck, liposuction, rhinoplasty, fox eyes, and breast augmentation. Manzini, who has openly discussed her desire to alter her appearance, explained that while these surgeries are a significant step in her journey, they are not driven by self-hatred, but by a long-held vision of how she wants to look.
For Manzini, this transformation is about personal growth, not changing her identity. “I’m a transgender woman, and I just want to doll myself up,” she shared. She emphasized that her sexuality will remain unchanged and that the surgeries are meant to enhance her outward appearance. Manzini also revealed that she plans to document her entire surgical journey on her YouTube channel, from the procedures in Turkey to her recovery.
However, Manzini’s decision has sparked debate within the spiritual community. Some fellow sangomas have expressed concern about the impact of such drastic changes on her spiritual identity. Gogo Muntu Segage, a co-ordinator for the Traditional Healers Association, believes that altering her body could cause her spiritual connection to be severed. “If you change yourself from the gogo, who are you?” Segage questioned, suggesting that such a transformation could be dangerous and lead to a loss of spiritual power.
On the other hand, Gogo Solly Mathebula shares similar concerns, stating that the spirit (idlozi) would no longer recognize her after undergoing such significant changes. “Once your idlozi knows you, you can’t change it. It’s a deep connection,” Mathebula said. Despite the backlash, Manzini remains firm in her belief that her spirituality will not be affected by her physical transformation, as she plans to continue her spiritual practices and healing work.
