Miss and Mr Rural Zimbabwe founder Sipho Mazibuko has disclosed that she is on a mission to empower rural youths through beauty and culture.
Growing up in rural Zimbabwe, Mazibuko witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by young people in these communities, seeing the potential, talent and beauty that lie within them.
Speaking at the launch of the Miss and Mr Rural Zimbabwe in Bulawayo recently, Mazibuko said she aimed to provide a platform for rural youths to showcase their skills, talents and aspirations, while promoting cultural heritage and leadership.
Mazibuko said women of colour mustt embrace their natural beauty to improve their cultural identity.
“We gather today to celebrate our heritage, our culture and our beauty. 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,” she said.
“For too long, we have been influenced by external beauty standards that often marginalise our unique features and cultural practices. It's time to redefine beauty on our terms, celebrating the rich diversity of African cultures, skin tone, hair texture and body shapes.”
Mazibuko said people should support local industries that produced products that suit their skin.
“Let us work together to promote African beauty, in all its forms. Let's support local industries, celebrate our art and culture and uplift one another. Let us show the world the beauty, strength and resilience of Africa,” she said.
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Mazibuko advised women against undergoing plastic surgery, adding that they should embrace their natural selves.
“Across Africa and other parts of the world, an increasing number of women is turning to beauty enhancement procedures such as buttock and hip enlargement, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty and skin lightening, all of this has caused more harm than good to our natural, unique beauty,” Mazibuko said.
“The ‘Back to natural Beauty’ movement is a journey of self-discovery, cultural reclamation and empowerment. Join us in this celebration of African beauty and together let us redefine the narrative of beauty, on our terms.”
Mazibuko said, as a proud product of rural Zimbabwe, she always knew she had to give back.
“I knew I had to create a platform that would empower our young people, especially our girls, to become confident leaders, role models and change-makers in their communities,” she said.
“That is why I am passionate about Miss and Mr Rural Zimbabwe. This pageant is more than just a beauty contest; it's a celebration of our rural heritage, our culture and our resilience. It is a platform for our young people to showcase their talents, their skills and their aspirations.”
She said through the initiative, they aimed to empower rural youth to become leaders of tomorrow.
Mazibuko said she wanted to take the girls for an educational tour so that they could learn more about themselves and their culture.
“In the pipeline is a plan to engage our chiefs on how we can encourage our girls to keep their virginity and stay pure, abstaining from sex till marriage,” she said.
“We will also get a sponsor who will assist and provide some of the things needed by those who remain virgins at the same time, creating a safe space for them so they do not get targeted by bad men.”
Meanwhile, Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Judith Ncube commended the initiative, adding that it had government’s backing.
“Government has fully embraced and accepted this empowerment initiative, hence the launch of the Miss Rural and Mr Rural Affiliate today,” she said.
