Thulani Sibanda, the creative royalty from the City of Kings and Queens, is considered to be a prince of pageantry, as he has cat-walked in numerous pageants across Zimbabwe where he has been representing the Matabeleland region.
However, despite not being successful in winning any throne title, Thulani Sibanda believes he is destined to be coronated as a king in the ongoing virtual pageant Mister Glamour Zimbabwe, where he will be representing Bulawayo.

In an exclusive interview with My Kasi Magazine, he explains more about his journey, as well as what it means to represent Bulawayo in such a national pageant.

TR: What inspired you to contest for Mister Glamour, and how do you think you stand out from other contestants?
TS: I’m driven to contest for Mister Glamour as a stepping stone to represent Zimbabwe on the international stage at Mister Glam International.
I stand out due to my passion for mental health awareness, unique personality, and determination to break stigmas surrounding mental health.

TR: As a young man from Bulawayo, how do you plan to represent your city and showcase its beauty on a national platform?
TS: I’ll proudly showcase Bulawayo’s rich history and heritage as the “City of Kings and Queens.”
I’ll highlight our vibrant culture, warm hospitality, and the majestic beauty of our city, often referred to as “Esikhosini.” Through Mister Glamour, I’ll share the stories and traditions that make Bulawayo special, while also sharing my vision for mental health awareness.

TR: Having contested in other pageants before, what have you learned about yourself and how has it prepared you for Mister Glamour?
TS: I’ve learned to harness my confidence, develop strong communication skills, and stay true to my values. These experiences have prepared me to handle pressure, think critically, and showcase my passion for mental health awareness.

TR: What do you think are the most important qualities of a titleholder, and how do you embody those qualities?
TS: Key qualities include empathy, resilience, and leadership. I embody these through my advocacy for mental health awareness, commitment to community service, and ability to inspire others.

TR: How do you plan to use your platform as Mister Glamour to make a positive impact on your community?
TS: I’ll leverage my platform to promote mental health awareness through my brand, Unbreakable Minds. I’ll partner with organizations, share personal stories, and encourage open conversations to break stigmas and support those affected.

TR: What sets you apart from other contestants in terms of personality, style, and charisma?
TS: My authenticity, passion for mental health advocacy, and unique style set me apart. I’m confident, compassionate, and determined to make a difference.

TR: How do you balance your passion for pageantry with other aspects of your life, such as education or career?
TS: I prioritize time management, ensuring my pageant journey complements my personal growth and advocacy work. I’m committed to staying focused and driven.

TR: What message do you want to convey to the audience and judges through your participation in Mister Glamour?
TS: I want to show that true strength lies in vulnerability, resilience, and the courage to speak up about mental health. I’m passionate about creating a supportive community and breaking stigmas.

TR: How do you think your experience in Bulawayo has shaped your perspective and prepared you for this opportunity?
TS: Growing koBulawayo (Esikhosini) has instilled in me a sense of pride, resilience, and royal heritage. This experience has taught me the importance of respecting tradition, embracing cultural diversity, and leading with humility. I’m confident that my roots will inspire me to represent Zimbabwe with dignity and passion.

TR: What are your goals and aspirations if you win the title of Mister Glamour, and how do you plan to achieve them?
TS: My ultimate goal is to represent Zimbabwe at Mister Glam International. As Mister Glamour, I’ll amplify my Unbreakable Minds brand, promoting mental health awareness globally. I’ll partner with organizations, share my story, and inspire others to prioritize mental well-being.