Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]
IN the fast-paced and exacting world of European technology, Nqobani Masuku is a man defined by precision. As an IT Support Engineer and Operations Code Manager based in Warsaw, Poland, his daily routine is governed by logic, structure, and the seamless execution of complex digital systems.
Each task demands clarity of thought and technical rigour, qualities that have allowed him to thrive in an environment where efficiency is paramount.
Yet beyond the steady glow of server monitors and the disciplined rhythm of the corporate tech ecosystem, Masuku is orchestrating a far more profound and human connection — one that transcends borders, challenges entrenched stereotypes, and delivers life-changing resources to the streets of Bulawayo. In this dual existence, he embodies both the analytical mind of a technologist and the compassionate spirit of a community builder.
From the launch of the Candid People Network to the continued expansion of the Nqobani Masuku Foundation’s Water for All programme, Masuku is steadily proving that being part of the diaspora is not merely about relocating in search of opportunity. Rather, it is about constructing meaningful bridges back home — bridges rooted in responsibility, identity, and purpose.
Masuku’s journey began in 2018 when he exchanged the warm, communal vibrancy of Zimbabwe for the structured and often minimalist landscapes of Poland. It was a transition that demanded far more than a simple geographical relocation; it required a reorientation of mindset, habits, and cultural understanding.
“One of the biggest cultural shifts was everything from language and food to the overall lifestyle. Back home, life is communal — families are close, and food is about the moment. In Poland, I noticed a shift toward health-consciousness and a more individualistic way of living,” Masuku reflects.
The differences extended beyond lifestyle into visual identity and cultural expression. Where Zimbabweans often embrace bold, vibrant attire that reflects personality and cultural pride, Masuku encountered a Polish society that leans towards simplicity, muted tones, and practicality — choices largely shaped by the demands of Central European winters. However, for Masuku, the most significant adjustment was neither the climate nor the cuisine; it was the realisation of how perception shapes human interaction.
“Back home, there’s an assumption that a white person is automatically financially well-off. Here, I realised the assumption can go the other way — people perceive Africans in Europe as having a certain level of financial stability or opportunity. It made me understand how much perception is shaped by limited exposure rather than reality,” he notes.
It was precisely this gap in understanding — this tension between perception and lived reality — that gave birth to the Candid People Network on YouTube. Confronted with recurring misconceptions about foreigners in Poland, which ranged from being branded as “troublemakers” to fielding questions as simplistic as whether Africa has elevators, Masuku felt compelled to reclaim the narrative and create space for authentic storytelling.
“What was missing was a voice—so we created one,” Masuku says.
The platform has since evolved into more than just a content hub; it is a safe and inclusive space where foreigners from diverse backgrounds can share their real-life experiences of adaptation, resilience, success, and even the lighter, humorous struggles that come with cultural adjustment. It challenges audiences to move beyond stereotypes and engage with the richness of human experience.
At the heart of the network lies its flagship production, the Candid Conversation Podcast, a programme that stands out for its honesty and relatability. Co-hosted with his younger brother, Nkosana Masuku — a Computer Science graduate and Software Data Analyst — and Olia, a Ukrainian actress, the show brings together diverse perspectives, allowing for nuanced and balanced discussions about life abroad.
The dynamic between Masuku and his brother adds a compelling layer of familiarity and energy to the production, reminiscent of the WWE’s Undertaker-Kane “Brothers of Construction” chemistry — a blend of humour, rivalry, and deep-rooted understanding.
“I’ve worked with Nkosana since childhood. We share a sense of humour but see things differently, which strengthens the show. If I was alone, it would be easy to silence a single voice, but together we bring balance,” he said.
While the finished product appears seamless and professional on YouTube, the reality behind the scenes tells a far more demanding story. Running a media platform from the ground up has effectively become a second full-time career for Masuku and his team. Every episode is the result of meticulous planning, extensive recording sessions, and labour-intensive editing, all undertaken while navigating the constraints of YouTube’s strict compliance requirements.
“People don’t see the stress, the exhaustion, or the moments where we have to redo everything from scratch. We didn’t go to school for media production; we are building this through experience and sacrifice,” he admits.
Despite these challenges, Masuku’s vision for the future remains bold and expansive. Over the next year, he plans to transform the Candid People Network into a fully-fledged media house, branching out into documentary filmmaking, reality-style programming, and even a cultural cooking show that explores identity and heritage through the universal language of food.
While his influence continues to grow in Poland, Masuku’s emotional and philanthropic ties remain firmly anchored in Bulawayo. Through the Nqobani Masuku Foundation, where Nkosana serves as chief executive officer, the brothers are actively scaling up their Water for All initiative. This programme is deliberately focused on the most vulnerable members of society — particularly the elderly and people living with disabilities, who face significant challenges in accessing reliable water sources.
For the Masuku brothers, philanthropy is not an occasional act of charity; it is a deeply ingrained mission. Their professional backgrounds in technology provide them with strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, while their Zimbabwean upbringing instils a strong sense of empathy and communal responsibility. By addressing water scarcity, they are tackling one of the most fundamental human rights and ensuring that those who once sustained their communities are not left behind.
Even as he builds a life in Europe, Masuku remains, in many ways, a devoted student of home. He speaks with warmth and nostalgia about the everyday comforts that no amount of technological advancement can replicate — the taste of isitshwala served with delele (okra), and the familiar, almost instinctive craving for amahewu.
“Technology makes it easy to stream music, but I miss the feeling of certain sounds — like the intro drums of the ZBC News. I miss the liberation songs that connect you to history and identity. It’s not just about the music; it’s about the emotions attached to them,” he shares.
In Poland, Nqobani Masuku has discovered far more than a career in IT; he has found a platform through which he can advocate for dignity, understanding, and global connection. Whether he is playfully roasting his brother Nkosana like “Big Zulu” in their shared home, or meticulously planning the next borehole project in Bulawayo, he stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the Zimbabwean diaspora spirit — disciplined in the boardroom, candid behind the microphone, and unwaveringly compassionate at heart. — Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
