From TV inspiration to modelling

ZIBUSISO Mzolisi Mtshayisa, a 20-year-old model based in Bulawayo, developed an interest in modelling from a young age. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that he fully ventured into the modelling world. He is currently the first runner-up for Misters of Zimbabwe 2024.

Zibusiso states that he drew most of his inspiration from watching television commercials, where he admired men advertising clothes through modelling.

“I’d like to think that modelling has always been inside me, but I didn’t have the knowledge on how to go about it. Growing up, I would see people on television commercials advertising men’s underwear, beauty products, or even clothes. I wanted that, but because I grew up in a community with less knowledge about modelling, I didn’t know what to do or where to go to see myself in that position.

“It was only later in life that someone told me about modelling and that it could be an avenue to what I wanted. That’s when I pursued a career in modelling in 2022,” he said.

As the years went by, he realised that the industry had more to offer than just being on the screen. Through attending a modelling school, he perfected his skills.

“Over these few years, I have discovered so much more about modelling than just the TV commercials I wanted to be seen in. It has really opened my eyes to see another greatness I didn’t even imagine for myself. I’ve seen that what I had imagined before was just a fraction of the possibilities that now lie before me today.

“I did go to school to perfect my skills, but what I can say is that the dream you have as an individual is only yours and no one can push it as much as you want it. I didn’t know all this catwalk from nowhere; I did learn it somewhere, but where I am today is because of my hard work, relentless drive and unwavering determination,” he said.

He went on to state that he has encountered various challenges in his journey, both personal and societal.
“Most of the challenges I face as a model are mainly because of the lack of awareness in the Zimbabwean community. Many people outside the industry have their own views and ideas about this sector.

“Lack of funding is a major issue, as most parents are sceptical about sending their children to modelling schools; they don’t see it as a dignified career. I started off the same, not getting much financial support to pay for classes, outfits and boot camps. But how I have survived is really a miracle, I’d like to say. God really is my biggest supporter because in everything that I have participated in, He has met me at my point of need.

“Our community views modelling as something else that I still haven’t seen personally in this industry. Especially for a male model, they’d assume you’re going to be naked or that modelling is a hub for gay males. Thus, I’ve learnt to be strong-hearted and stay focused on my goals and to protect my dream. I also believe that if we were to unite as black people and help push each other’s dreams, we could achieve great things,” he added.

Zibusiso went on to share some of the moments, which he considers to be his highs and lows so far in his journey.
“We haven’t seen the high yet. Trust me, this is just the beginning of something massive; a lasting legacy is being built. This name, Zibusiso Mzolisi Mtshayisa, is still going to be mentioned even after I’m long gone.

But for now, I’m very grateful for how far I’ve come, having been Mr Bulawayo Second Runner-up 2022, having three nominations and one award at the 2023 Bulawayo Models Awards and currently being the Misters of Zimbabwe 2024 runner-up and hoping to represent the country on an international stage.

“Also, standing in as a judge at the Mr and Miss Masiyephambili College alongside great models, Darlington Tshuma, Leanet Mupungu and Victoria Ncube and recently on the judging panel in the Mr and Miss Operation Earth Renewal modelling contest, which sought to produce youths who will change our earth for the better. This was held at Nkulumane Sekusile Hall, sponsored by Face of Zimbabwe and the Nkulumane PR Councillor, Nokuthula Sibanda Zikhali.

“What I cherish the most is the organisation that I started, called Men in Miles. This organisation mainly seeks to empower men to rise up and stop blaming anyone else for them not being at work or getting attention on some things.

“The lows I’ve faced are mostly financial and emotional. Carrying all this and having these goals for yourself can sometimes take a huge toll on your emotions, especially when things don’t go according to your will,” he said.
He further highlighted that he has helped to groom young people in modelling at Mahlathini Primary School in Cowdray Park.