Maseru, Dec. 24 — The People’s Matrix, a transgender-led organisation based in Lesotho, has been nominated to serve as Chair of the Southern African Trans Forum (SATF) for a three-year term, marking a significant milestone for transgender leadership and regional solidarity in Southern Africa.
The nomination places Tampose Mothopeng of The People’s Matrix at the helm of the regional body, reflecting recognition of both personal leadership and the organisation’s long-standing advocacy for transgender rights, inclusion and social justice.
Speaking in an interview with the Agency on Wednesday on the nomination, Mothopeng described the role as a profound acknowledgment of lived experience, advocacy expertise and years of commitment to advancing the dignity and rights of transgender communities.
“This position is not only about representation, but about being a unifying voice for diverse transgender communities across Southern Africa,” Mothopeng said.
Mothopeng indicated that the nomination comes with a responsibility to strengthen regional collaboration, influence policy and mentor emerging transgender leaders.
The appointment elevates The People’s Matrix as a trusted and strategic transgender-led institution with strong governance and regional relevance.
Holding the SATF chair is expected to enhance the organisation’s capacity to mobilise resources, shape regional advocacy agendas, and deepen partnerships with civil society organisations, donors, and policymakers, while ensuring transgender voices remain central in regional decision-making spaces.
The nomination is also being hailed as a landmark achievement for Lesotho, positioning the country at the forefront of transgender leadership in Southern Africa. Observers say it highlights Lesotho’s growing contribution to regional human rights discourse and showcases the resilience and strength of its transgender movement.
The development is expected to bring positive visibility to the country and signal progress toward greater inclusion, representation, and engagement on gender diversity and human rights.
At a regional level, the leadership of The People’s Matrix is anticipated to strengthen SATF’s commitment to inclusive, community-led governance.
Under Mothopeng’s chairship, the forum is expected to advance coordinated regional responses to shared challenges facing transgender people, including legal discrimination, limited access to healthcare, safety concerns, and economic exclusion.
The nomination underscores a broader regional shift toward recognising and valuing transgender leadership, with SATF aiming to foster collaboration, amplify marginalised voices, and promote a unified Southern African agenda grounded in human rights, intersectionality, and sustainability.
Ends/NT
