Transgender student making history
Nkomozake in race for Rhodes SRC president
A 21-year-old Rhodes University student could make history by becoming the first black transgender woman to be elected president of the student representative council (SRC).
Phumelele Nkomozake has set her sights on leading the university students after tomorrow’s campus elections.
The East London-born psychology student is currently serving as activism and transformation councillor in the SRC.
Nkomozake said she was inspired to join the SRC presidential race due to the challenges that transgender people continue to face.
She said even before she could speak as a toddler she felt more of a girl than a boy.
“It was only in primary school that I realised the impact of my difference when I had to wear a boys’ uniform instead of a girls’,” she said.
“By then I knew that I was different but I did not realise the impact this would have on my life,” said Nkomozake.
According to her, being transgender means she was born in a body that she does not psychologically and emotionally identify with.
She said if elected the SRC president she would bring change to the campus culture.
“I want to create spaces that are culturally diverse and inclusive for all people regardless of gender, race and class,” she said.
Nkomozake said people who identify with other genders are usually excluded from spaces such as bathrooms and residences for the gender that they identify with.
“Representation is important in leadership positions. Currently, Somizi [Mhlongo] is the only custodian for the community,” she said.
She said her family was supportive of her identity as a transgender woman but that it had been a difficult journey.
The family first found out that she is transgender through the media when a story about her election into the current SRC was published last year.
“When I was growing up I always stood out as hyper feminine, so they thought I was gay. It was a completely daunting experience,” Nkomozake said.
She said although she has been living as a woman she is only planning to formally start transitioning into a woman after she graduates from university.
“I will always fall short in life if I cannot navigate it as a woman,” Nkomozake said.