Sipho Mazibuko on a Mission to Empower Rural Youth Through Beauty and Culture

Sipho Mazibuko, the trailblazing founder of the Miss and Mr Rural Zimbabwe pageant, has announced a bold initiative to uplift and empower youth in the country’s rural communities by using beauty and cultural heritage as powerful tools for transformation.

Speaking during the official launch of the Miss and Mr Rural Zimbabwe contest in Bulawayo, Mazibuko shared her heartfelt motivation for the project. Having grown up in rural Zimbabwe herself, she experienced firsthand the unique challenges faced by young people in these areas — from limited access to resources to a lack of opportunities for personal growth and expression. Her experiences have inspired her to create a platform that gives rural youth a voice, a stage, and a sense of pride in who they are.

“This pageant is more than just a beauty contest; it’s a celebration of our rural heritage, our culture, and our resilience,” Mazibuko said. “It is a platform for our young people to showcase their talents, their skills, and their aspirations.”

Central to Mazibuko’s mission is the “Back to Natural Beauty” movement — an initiative aimed at encouraging African women to embrace their natural looks and cultural identity. She highlighted the importance of redefining beauty in a way that reflects African heritage, moving away from the pressure of Western standards that often marginalise black beauty.

“We gather today to celebrate our heritage, our culture, and our beauty,” Mazibuko said. “The ‘Back to Natural Beauty’ movement is more than just a trend; it’s a call to reclaim our roots, our traditions, and our identity.”

Mazibuko also called for greater support of local industries that produce products specifically suited to African skin and hair types. She believes that by investing in local beauty brands and cultural enterprises, communities can help sustain authentic African identity while creating jobs and opportunities for young people.

She expressed concern over the growing trend among African women to undergo cosmetic procedures such as skin lightening, breast augmentation, and other enhancements. She warned that such practices often result in long-term harm and further erode self-confidence.

“Across Africa and other parts of the world, an increasing number of women are turning to beauty enhancement procedures… all of this has caused more harm than good to our natural, unique beauty,” she said.

Instead, Mazibuko encourages women to take pride in their natural features as a form of cultural pride and self-respect. “Join us in this celebration of African beauty, and together let us redefine the narrative of beauty on our terms,” she urged.

As part of the broader empowerment strategy, Mazibuko revealed plans for educational tours for contestants, aimed at helping them learn more about their heritage, self-worth, and leadership potential. She emphasized that Miss and Mr Rural Zimbabwe is not merely about looks — it is about nurturing confident, responsible, and visionary young leaders.

She also discussed plans to engage traditional leaders in promoting positive values among rural girls, including sexual purity and self-discipline. “We will get a sponsor who will assist and provide some of the things needed by those who remain virgins,” Mazibuko said, emphasizing the need to create a safe space for girls who choose this path.

The government has expressed strong support for the initiative. Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube praised the programme and affirmed the state’s commitment to its success.

“Government has fully embraced and accepted this empowerment initiative,” Ncube said, noting its potential to instil cultural pride and foster national development.

As Sipho Mazibuko continues her mission, the Miss and Mr Rural Zimbabwe platform stands out as a powerful symbol of inclusion, empowerment, and the reawakening of African identity. Through it, the dreams of rural youth are being nurtured — not just to shine on stage, but to lead in life.