Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
WOMEN have left an indelible mark across various facets of art in Zimbabwe, and at the heart of the country’s creative landscape, Sithokozile Sibanda emerges as an example of resilience and empowerment. Born at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, she was soon returned to her rural roots in Tombo, Filabusi, in Matabeleland South Province. This early shift from urban life to the countryside laid the foundation for a life rich with unique experiences and challenges.
Sithokozile’s childhood was nothing short of adventurous.
“Picture this: a little girl, barely six years old, whistling like a pro — not for fun, but out of necessity; goats and cattle don’t herd themselves, you know!” she shared, reminiscing about her days spent tending livestock. “I quickly learned that in the bush, if you can’t whistle or yell, you’re just another bush ornament.”
Her early years were shaped by the demands of rural life.
“One of my proudest early achievements was mastering the art of animal communication—mostly through trial, error, and a lot of running,” she laughed. Yet, her formative years were not without their trials. “There was this one troublesome goat — I swear it had the spirit of a rebellious teenager. It would raid neighbouring homesteads, steal green mealies like a seasoned bandit, and leave me to take the blame,” she recalled, highlighting the communal nature of discipline where “a child wasn’t just raised by the village.”
Despite the hardships, Sithokozile credits those experiences with shaping her identity.
“Today, those humble beginnings fuel everything I do. From herding goats to herding ideas and talents in the creative industry, my journey is powered by love, laughter, resilience, and an unshakable passion to uplift others through my work,” she affirmed.
Sithokozile’s academic journey began at Tombo Primary School, where she completed her early education. A pivotal moment came when her mother moved to Bulawayo to work as a housemaid for Mr and Mrs Coleman. “It was in that home that I began learning English, surrounded by a world so different from my rural upbringing,” she explained.
When the Colemans relocated abroad, they entrusted Sithokozile and her mother to the care of Mr and Mrs Kent in Greenhill.
“Living with the Kents, I experienced what it meant to truly have a home. They treated my mum and I like family, and never once did I go to school hungry or feel like I didn’t belong,” she reflected.
With the steadfast support of the Kents and her parents, Sithokozile completed her secondary education at Montrose Girls High School.
“Even now, as an adult chasing dreams and building legacies, their support hasn’t wavered,” she noted.
After completing her education, Sithokozile began her professional journey as a receptionist at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) for the Bulawayo Regional Campus.
“It was a defining moment — not just because I was stepping into the working world, but because I was also stepping into my future,” she recalled.
While balancing work and studies, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies, graduating in 2017. Her academic pursuits continued.
“I went on to further my studies at Midlands State University, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Media and Society Studies, and later enrolled at Nust for a Master of Science Degree in Journalism and Media Studies,” she shared.
Each milestone reinforced her dedication to her craft, laying a solid foundation for her future endeavours. Today, Sithokozile serves as a lecturer at ZOU, heading the Department of Media and Journalism Studies. However, it was in Gwanda, fully embracing her role as a lecturer, that everything came full circle.
“It was here that my passion for the creative and cultural industry truly flourished,” she said. This return to teaching and mentoring reignited her commitment to the arts, reminiscent of her early days volunteering at Ilanga Newspaper.
Her breakthrough came with the founding of Creatives Magazine in 2022, a platform dedicated to the creative and cultural industry, with a particular focus on marginalised and remote rural areas of Zimbabwe. Sithokozile has made it her mission to amplify the voices of creatives, especially those from under-represented communities.
“Being a voice for the voiceless, particularly in marginalised areas, has never been easy, but it’s a role I’ve carried with deep conviction,” she stated.
Working in these communities, she has witnessed the transformative power of storytelling.
“I’ve watched young artists gain confidence because someone believed in their craft enough to write about it,” she shared. Yet, the challenges remain significant. “Resources are limited, platforms are few, and support is often conditional or completely absent,” she admitted. Despite these obstacles, the rewards of her work shine through every time an artist expresses gratitude for her support.
As a multi-award-winning journalist and media personality, Sithokozile recognises critical gaps in the creative and cultural industries (CCIs) that demand attention. Her contributions have earned her widespread recognition. This includes a nomination for the prestigious 2025 Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize.
In 2023, she was nominated for the Outstanding Online Media Award at the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards and the Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Megafest Southern Region Business Awards. She also received a nomination at the Matabeleland South Business Summit and Awards. Additionally, she was honoured with the Resilience Award from the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC). Her excellence was previously recognised with the Outstanding Journalist in Print Media Award at the National Arts Merit Awards (Nama) in 2022.
In 2021, she received nominations for both Outstanding Online Media for Creatives Magazine and Outstanding Arts Journalist at the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards, where she also won the Journalist of the Year Award at The Eminent in Sports Music and Academic Awards (TESMA).
Looking ahead, Sithokozile is enthusiastic about her research into the transformative potential of AI technologies in the music industry.
“I’m finalising a research paper that I plan to publish in a reputable academic journal,” she shared. “We need structured, in-depth research on how African creatives can ethically engage with these tools.”
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