‘I’m the home we all share. A planet so precious, beyond compare. From mountains high to oceans wide,
I’m the earth we live on, with life inside’ What am I?’

The answer, of course, is Earth! And that’s exactly what Zibusiso Mtshayisa (ZM), Mister Earth Zimbabwe is passionate about, protecting and preserving our planet for future generations. As a model and environmental advocate, Zibusiso aims to promote eco-awareness and responsible citizenship, focusing on wildlife preservation and sustainable environmental practices.

In an exclusive interview with My Afrika Magazine, Zibusiso shares details about his upcoming mission to win Mister Earth title as well as to spread wings of his advocacy.

TR: What inspired you to participate in the Mister Earth pageant, and what do you hope to achieve as Mister Earth Zimbabwe?
ZM: My journey to Mister Earth Zimbabwe came unexpectedly. After placing as 1st Runner-Up at Misters of Zimbabwe 2024, I was honored to be selected to represent Zimbabwe at the Mister Earth pageant part of a tradition where the top three finalists are assigned to represent the country on international platforms. While I didn’t initially set out for this specific title, it feels like a natural fit for me. I’ve always had a deep love for the environment, especially our wildlife and natural wonders.

Having travelled to places like Hwange, Victoria Falls, and the Matobo Hills to name a few, I developed a strong connection with the land early on. These experiences shaped my appreciation for Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity and fueled my passion for conservation.

TR: How do you plan to promote eco-awareness and responsible citizenship through your platform?
ZM: My advocacy aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land with a particular focus on wildlife preservation. I believe that protecting wildlife is not just about saving animals; it’s about protecting ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and ultimately sustaining life for future generations.

I’ve been actively working with the Free to be Wild Sanctuary in Bulawayo, located at 242 Arnold Way in Burnside. The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Africa’s primates and other wildlife. Many of the animals they take in whether it’s orphaned monkeys, injured jackals, disowned bush pigs or even ostriches have experienced trauma. The work they do to restore these animals back to health and reintroduce them to the wild is incredibly inspiring, and I want to use my Mister Earth Zimbabwe platform to raise awareness of these efforts. Through collaborations with sanctuaries like this one, community outreach, school visits, and digital storytelling, I aim to educate the public on the importance of protecting our natural heritage and encourage responsible citizenship rooted in respect for the land and all who inhabit it.

TR: Can you tell us about some of the projects or initiatives you’d like to focus on during your reign as Mister Earth Zimbabwe?
ZM: One of my key focuses during my reign is supporting and amplifying the work being done at Free to be Wild Sanctuary in Bulawayo. Their mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife especially primates and other vulnerable animals is something I deeply believe in. I want to help raise more awareness about their work and the importance of ethical wildlife care.

Through this partnership, I aim to spread awareness to children and youth, from primary schools all the way to secondary schools. I believe that when children are educated about the importance of wildlife and environmental care, they carry that message into their homes and communities spreading it like wildfire across the nation.
I also look forward to building collaborative relationships with key leaders such as the Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Honorable Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni, as well as Honorable Evelyn Ndlovu and Honorable Mangaliso Ndlovu. With their guidance and support, I hope to contribute to national campaigns that promote wildlife preservation and sustainable environmental practices in Zimbabwe.

TR: How do you think your participation in the Mister Earth pageant can benefit Zimbabwe in terms of national branding and pride?
ZM: I believe Zimbabwe is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world, yet we’re often overlooked on global platforms. My participation in the Mister Earth pageant is a chance to proudly showcase who we are not just through our landscapes and wildlife, but through our values, resilience, and our people’s passion for the environment.

By representing Zimbabwe on an international stage, I want to help shift the narrative. We are not just a land of minerals and tourism we are also a land of heart, heritage, and environmental responsibility. I hope to spark pride among Zimbabweans, especially the youth, and remind the world that we are a country invested in protecting the planet, nurturing our land, and innovating through sustainable living. In a world increasingly focused on green leadership, Zimbabwe deserves a seat at the table and I’m honoured to play a part in putting us there.

TR: What message would you like to convey to young Zimbabweans about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability?
ZM: My message to young Zimbabweans is simple, “the future belongs to you, but so does the responsibility of protecting it.” The environment isn’t just something out there it’s our home, our heritage, and our hope. Every tree, river, animal, and patch of land plays a role in our survival and our identity.
We often think that environmental conservation is something for scientists or governments, but real change starts with us at school, at home, and in our communities.

Whether it’s choosing to recycle, speaking up for wildlife, or teaching your peers about the impact of pollution, every action matters.
I want young people to know that loving the earth is powerful. When you stand for nature, you’re standing for life, for dignity, and for generations to come. You don’t need to be rich or famous to make a difference you just need to care enough to start.

TR: How do you plan to engage with local communities and inspire them to take action on environmental issues?
ZM: My approach is rooted in connection and visibility. I plan to engage with local communities by meeting them where they are whether it’s schools, churches, community centres, or even rural villages. I want to have real conversations with people about the environment, using language and examples that are relatable to their everyday lives.

Working with partners like Free to be Wild, I hope to organize interactive school visits, clean-up campaigns, and community dialogues where we not only talk about the problems but demonstrate the solutions. Showing people the link between a clean environment and better health, stronger tourism, or more fertile land helps them see the value of action. I also hope to inspire through representation when young people see someone from their own background speaking up for the environment on a national and international stage, they begin to believe they can do the same. My goal is to create momentum where eco-consciousness spreads through education, storytelling, and grassroots involvement.

TR: What do you think are some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing Zimbabwe today, and how do you plan to address them?
ZM: Some of the most pressing environmental challenges Zimbabwe faces today include deforestation, poaching, pollution, and climate change. These issues are deeply interconnected, and they threaten not only our wildlife and natural beauty but also the livelihoods of many Zimbabweans who depend on the land.

Deforestation, for example, is driven by the demand for firewood and unregulated agriculture, and it’s contributing to soil degradation and reduced rainfall. Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade continue to harm our biodiversity, despite conservation efforts. On top of that, poor waste management and pollution in both urban and rural areas is affecting public health and water quality. To address these challenges, I plan to use my platform to advocate for stronger environmental education, especially among the youth, because awareness leads to action. I’ll also continue working with wildlife-focused organisations like Free to be Wild, while exploring collaborations with government leaders and community-based projects to push for more sustainable practices and policies.

Ultimately, I want to show that environmental protection is not just a responsibility it’s an opportunity to build a better, greener Zimbabwe for all.

TR: Can you share with us any personal experiences or stories that have driven your passion for environmental conservation?
ZM: My passion for the environment started early. As a child, I was a proud Boy Scout, and that experience played a huge role in shaping how I see and treat the natural world. We were taught to respect nature, leave no trace, and always give back more than we take. I still carry those values with me today.

One of the most memorable parts of being a Scout was camping in places like the Matobo Hills. Sleeping under the stars, hiking through ancient landscapes, and learning survival skills in the wild made me realize how deeply connected we are to the earth and how easily that connection can be lost if we don’t protect it.

As I grew older, I continued to explore Zimbabwe’s natural wonders Victoria Falls, Hwange, and more. The beauty of our wildlife and landscapes inspired me, but I also started seeing the damage being done by pollution, deforestation, and poaching. That realization is what moved me from appreciation to action. Today, my work with Free to be Wild Sanctuary brings everything full circle. Helping to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife feels like a continuation of those early lessons I learned as a Scout: to serve, to protect, and to lead by example.

TR: How do you plan to utilize the Mister Earth platform to promote Zimbabwe’s wildlife, landscapes, and conservation projects?
ZM: The Mister Earth platform gives me a powerful opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s rich natural beauty and the incredible work being done to protect it. From iconic places like Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park to hidden gems like the Matobo Hills, our landscapes are more than just scenic they are sacred, and they need to be preserved.

While I’m currently working closely with Free to be Wild Sanctuary in Bulawayo, I recognize and deeply respect the efforts of other institutions such as ZimParks and several community-based conservation programs around the country. These organizations are at the frontline of protecting our wildlife from managing national parks to running anti-poaching units and driving wildlife education across communities. I plan to use my Mister Earth platform to raise awareness about all these efforts, highlighting their impact and inviting the public especially young people to get involved. Through media campaigns, educational outreach, and strategic partnerships, I want to create a united message: that protecting Zimbabwe’s natural heritage is a shared responsibility, and together, we can be the generation that makes a lasting difference.

TR: What kind of support or partnerships do you hope to establish through your participation in the Mister Earth pageant, and how do you plan to leverage them for the benefit of Zimbabwe?
ZM: Through my Mister Earth journey, I hope to establish partnerships that speak to both purpose and presentation. On one hand, I aim to work closely with organizations locally and internationally that are focused on conservation, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. Whether it’s through collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, or aligning with respected figures like Hon. Dr. Sithembiso Nyoni, Hon. Evelyn Ndlovu, and Hon. Mangaliso Ndlovu, I believe in building a network that supports lasting environmental impact through education, advocacy, and action. At the same time, I’m passionate about using my platform to elevate Zimbabwe’s creative industry particularly local fashion designers, stylists, and artists. As a national representative, how I present myself also tells a story. By intentionally wearing and promoting local brands throughout my journey, I want to showcase Zimbabwean talent to the world and prove that advocacy can also be stylish, confident, and culturally rooted.

Whether it’s the causes I stand for or the clothes I wear, I want every part of this experience to represent Zimbabwe’s richness from its wildlife and landscapes to its artistry and innovation. Through strategic partnerships across sectors, I hope to build a journey that inspires unity, pride, and progressive change for our country.