Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Sipho Mazibuko, the founder and patron of Miss Rural Zimbabwe, is on a vital mission to empower girls from marginalised communities by actively engaging local chiefs.
This initiative aims to promote collaboration with these cultural custodians, fostering positive change and development within these communities.
Through her dedication and strategic partnerships, Mazibuko is determined to uplift rural girls and provide them with opportunities that can transform their lives.
In a recent interview with the Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Mazibuko expressed her excitement about being welcomed by local chiefs, who have allowed her to scout for raw talent in the remote areas of Zimbabwe.
“The search for Miss and Mr. Rural Zimbabwe is a noble endeavour that has been executed with great care,” she stated.
This respect for local authority is crucial in ensuring that her initiatives align with community values and traditions.
“To streamline my efforts, I actively engage with local chiefs and resident ministers, ensuring that I have the necessary clearances to carry out my work effectively. I believe in establishing proper structures in all my initiatives. So far, I have visited every corner of Zimbabwe, where my ideas have been embraced after approaching the National Council of Chiefs to bless my initiatives,” she elaborated.
This proactive approach not only facilitates her work but also strengthens her relationships with local leadership, paving the way for future collaborations.
Mazibuko expressed deep gratitude for the support she has received from local chiefs, which has enabled her to scout for talent across various regions. “It’s not easy to be granted permission to work with people in rural communities who still uphold their traditions.
It is challenging to penetrate these communities, where traditional leaders value their cultural heritage. By engaging local chiefs, I ensure that I do not disrupt their customs. It is essential that we respect and embrace what our traditional leaders uphold and believe in.” This respect for tradition is a cornerstone of her mission, emphasising the importance of cultural sensitivity in her work.
With nearly three decades of experience in the industry, Mazibuko is unwavering in her dedication to empowering rural girls through the platform of pageantry.
“I consistently go above and beyond to discover new talent while uplifting rural girls to help them realize their full potential. There is immense talent among these young women, and it is crucial that we empower them to seize opportunities. We must also address pressing issues such as early child marriages, school dropouts, and ritual murders, which have plagued our communities for far too long,” she emphasised.
Her commitment to social justice is evident in her vision, as she aims to tackle these critical issues head-on through her initiatives.
Through her unwavering commitment, Mazibuko continues to pave the way for a brighter future for rural girls, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
“I will do my best to ensure that rural girls are empowered. Of course, we also run Mr. Rural, but my dream is to see rural youth empowered. Through pageantry, we can address many issues like drug and substance abuse. I have produced some of the finest models from the back of beyond who are now shining wherever they go,” she stated proudly. Her passion for nurturing talent is not just about beauty; it’s about building confidence and creating role models who can inspire others.
Reflecting on her progress, Mazibuko has set aside August as the month for the national finals. “So far, we have conducted preliminaries for Matabeleland South, and we are heading to Matabeleland North. It is my wish that we complete all the provincial finals earlier and prepare for the grand finale.
“Our hope is to hold the national finals in Masvingo sometime in August, and we are diligently working towards making that dream a reality,” she remarked. The anticipation surrounding the finals highlights the growing interest and participation in the pageant, showcasing the potential for rural girls to shine on a national stage.
Miss Rural Zimbabwe was established at the turn of the new millennium with the aim of empowering rural girls through pageantry.
“When we established this pageant, many people were curious to understand our initiatives, and I am glad that we have managed to win the hearts of the doubting Thomases. It is my hope that we will definitely achieve our objectives and make this pageant a success. We are primarily concerned about changing the welfare of rural girls and helping them realize their potential,” she said.
This journey from scepticism to acceptance reflects the transformative impact of her work.
Like any other pageant, Miss Rural Zimbabwe once attracted criticism from skeptics who questioned its relevance.
However, many now understand Mazibuko’s vision, as the pageant has emerged as a game-changer in Zimbabwe.
The pageant has also been revitalized at a time when the custodians of Zimbabwean culture have been advocating for the restoration of traditional values.
This alignment with cultural preservation has further solidified its importance, making Miss Rural Zimbabwe not just a beauty pageant, but a powerful platform for social change and community empowerment.
Miss Rural Zimbabwe has been revived at a time when modelling enthusiasts are calling for more pageants. Zimbabwe has proven to be a hotbed of fine models who have gone on to conquer the world.
Mathew Masinge