As the city of Kings and Queens,Bulawayo continues to produce young leaders who are redefining purpose and identity, Thabo Ngwenya emerges as a voice of transformation, cultural pride, and mental health advocacy. Representing Bulawayo on the Misters of Zimbabwe stage, Thabo speaks passionately about empowering young men, preserving culture, and building a compassionate society. In this exclusive interview with My Kasi Magazine, he shares his motivations, vision, and aspirations for the prestigious title.

TR: What motivated you to join the Misters of Zimbabwe pageant, and what do you hope to achieve?
TN: I was drawn to the Misters of Zimbabwe pageant because of its profound commitment to empowering young men and fostering positive transformation within our communities. As a dedicated advocate for men’s mental health and cultural preservation, I recognised this platform as a powerful avenue through which I could amplify my voice and inspire meaningful change.
I aspire to use this opportunity to challenge stigmas surrounding mental health, promote healthy and progressive masculinity, and celebrate Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage. Ultimately, my goal is to serve as a role model for young men across the nation demonstrating that vulnerability, compassion, and purposeful leadership are strengths, not weaknesses.

TR: How do you think you can make a positive impact on the community as Misters of Zimbabwe?
TN: As Misters of Zimbabwe, I envision making a tangible and lasting impact through strategic initiatives and meaningful partnerships. I intend to utilise the platform to facilitate mental health workshops, sharing personal experiences while collaborating with professionals to lead discussions on emotional resilience, stress management, and self-awareness.
I also plan to collaborate with sister pageants such as Miss Universe Zimbabwe, Miss Tourism, and Miss Continental, among others. Furthermore, I aim to work closely with local organisations to promote cultural events and festivals that honour and preserve our traditions. By engaging with schools and community groups, I hope to inspire young people to embrace leadership and become agents of positive change, contributing to a more empathetic, unified, and compassionate Zimbabwe.

TR: What qualities do you think a Misters of Zimbabwe winner should have, and do you embody those traits?
TN: A Misters of Zimbabwe winner should embody compassion, authenticity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to service. Such a leader must inspire others while remaining grounded and approachable.
As the founder of T.U.S.K, I have demonstrated leadership rooted in service, unity, and social awareness within my community. My advocacy for cultural preservation and the values of Ubuntu further reflects my dedication to our shared heritage. I believe these qualities, coupled with my passion and discipline, position me as a worthy and capable candidate for the title.

TR: How will you handle the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being a pageant winner?
TN: I understand that holding such a title comes with significant responsibility, scrutiny, and expectation. To navigate this, I will prioritise self-care and maintain a strong support system of family, friends, and mentors.
Remaining focused on my advocacy and purpose will help me stay grounded and resilient. By acting with integrity and clarity of purpose, I will represent the title with dignity while remaining true to my values and identity, where Ubuntu plays a central role in giving me a strong foundation.

TR: What makes you proud to represent Bulawayo and Zimbabwe on the Misters of Zimbabwe stage?
TN: I am deeply proud to represent Bulawayo, the City of Kings and Queens, and Zimbabwe because of our resilience, cultural depth, and enduring spirit—from the flaming Ntuthu Ziyathunqa to the rolling wheels of the National Railways, once the economic backbone of the nation.
Growing up in Zimbabwe has allowed me to witness firsthand the strength, perseverance, and dignity of our people. From the magnificence of Victoria Falls to the sacred landscapes of the Matobo Hills, our nation is rich in history and natural beauty. Representing Zimbabwe on this stage is both an honour and a responsibility, and I am committed to showcasing the very best of our culture and identity.

TR: How do you plan to use the platform to promote Zimbabwe’s culture and values?
TN: I plan to promote Zimbabwe’s culture and values through initiatives centred on cultural festivals, storytelling, and educational workshops. By collaborating with local artists, musicians, and cultural custodians, I aim to highlight traditional music, dance, and oral history.
I will also work with schools and communities to develop programmes that educate young people about our customs, traditions, and ancestral wisdom. Through these efforts, I hope to cultivate pride, appreciation, and global recognition of Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage.

TR: What’s your strategy for balancing your personal life with the demands of being a pageant winner?
TN: Balancing personal life with the responsibilities of the title will require discipline, effective time management, and intentional prioritisation. I will ensure consistent communication and quality time with loved ones while maintaining a reliable support network.
Equally important, I will commit to self-care practices that nurture my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. This balanced approach will enable me to perform my duties with excellence while continuing to grow personally.

TR: How do you think you can inspire and mentor young men in Zimbabwe?
TN: I intend to inspire and mentor young men through workshops, digital platforms, and personal storytelling. By sharing my journey, challenges, and lessons learned, I will advocate for mental wellness, responsible masculinity, and cultural pride.
Leading by example, I hope to encourage young men to embrace purpose-driven lives and contribute positively to their communities through unity, respect, and compassion.

TR: What’s the most important message you want to convey to the audience and judges during the pageant?
TN: My message is clear and deeply rooted in our shared values: unity, respect, and cultural preservation must remain at the heart of our progress. We must prioritise mental health, redefine masculinity in a healthy and inclusive way, and commit ourselves to service.
Together, we can build a future for Zimbabwe founded on empathy, understanding, and collective responsibility.

TR: Why do you think you deserve to win the title of Misters of Zimbabwe?
TN: I believe I deserve the title of Misters of Zimbabwe because of my authenticity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service. I have consistently demonstrated the ability to inspire and mobilise positive change within my community.
As a mental health advocate and cultural ambassador, I am prepared to carry the vision of Misters of Zimbabwe with integrity and purpose. With this platform, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful and lasting impact while honouring the values and spirit of Zimbabwe.