- TikTok personality Langalihle Gumede, who goes by Ilano, recently shared her transformation journey in the Big Brother Mzansi house
- The social media influencer, who has mentioned having a twin brother, also reflected on her upbringing in her introductory video
- Fans of the show discussed Gumede’s personality and journey across various social media platforms
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, Ilano, whose real name is Langalihle Gumede, captured attention online when she became the first transgender contestant on the Big Brother Mzansi reality TV program.
Gumede is among the 23 South Africans who auditioned for the sixth season of the show this year.
A fan of Big Brother Mzansi, @just_me, noted on his X account on the same day that Ilano is a transgender individual.
Daily Sun has reported that during her introductory interview for the show, she expressed her motivation for joining was her vibrant personality and a wish to represent others like herself.
Gumede shared that she was brought up as a girl and has a twin brother who felt embarrassed by her earlier in their lives.
“I would love someone to understand me in the sense that there are people like us, and we exist. That’s why I decided to just wake up and enter,” she says.
The 23-year-old influencer also mentioned that when she identifies as a trans individual, people often use “he/she” to refer to her, but when she simply introduces herself as Ilano, she is referred to as she.
Big Brother Mzansi viewers respond to Ilano’s transformation journey
@OTrueblood remarked:
“Omo, it’s difficult to believe ILano is trans. Nothing looks trans about Ilano.”
@SMakondets21208 commented:
“Aunt Thelma transgender in Isabella’s voice.”
@TheeAzanian reacted:
“Craziest part is it’s real, not even a BBL.”
@NakedEyeZA stated:
“She really trans, she looks like a woman.”
@Shebear8 shared:
“Natural BBL, there’s nothing too much about it.”
@sthembitu67029 replied:
“This one is not gonna make it.”
@TumzaTMash voiced:
“I don’t believe you 😳😳😳.”
@RealMadamCoco commented:
“She has good vibes but must not overperform.”
@brownacup remarked:
“Her body is T.”
@Jozie_Bk responded:
“Wow, I didn’t see her coming.”
@Will_16th_ queried:
“Are we gonna ignore the elephant in the room. I mean, the onlyfan what what.”
@ComradeAtt stated:
“Ilano never misses disturbing int*mate conversations with her dance and songs, such a nonsensical person.”
@GreyNdimande noted:
“So, more men than women in the Big Brother house this year? Phela siyayibona inkabi thina.”
