Who is Ayanda Candice Sibanda? The Inspiring Journey of a Model, Lawyer, and Advocate for Change
Ayanda Candice Sibanda is an award-winning Zimbabwean model, law graduate, and outspoken activist dedicated to empowering women and promoting inclusion for people with albinism. Through her success in pageantry and advocacy work, she has broken barriers, challenged social stigma, and become a powerful voice for acceptance, representation, and equality across Africa.
A Queen on the Rise
Born on May 27, 2000, Ayanda began modeling in primary school. Her competitive spirit and "stubborn heart" propelled her to numerous victories, transforming her passion into a powerful platform. Her major titles include:
- Most Promising Model (2018)
- Miss Albinism Zimbabwe (2019)
- Miss Teen Zimbabwe, 2nd Runner-Up (2019)
- Miss University of Zimbabwe (2020)
- Outstanding Female Model (Bulawayo Arts Awards, 2020)
- Miss Africa Zimbabwe (2022)
Ayanda is a proud graduate of the University of Zimbabwe, where she earned a degree in law in 2024. As a professional model, she was trained by former Miss Zimbabwe, Samantha Tshuma, at Open Eye Studio and has appeared in music videos for prominent artists like Roki, Nutty-O, and Andy Muridzo.
Advocacy & Empowerment
Growing up with albinism, Ayanda faced immense discrimination and stigma. She has channeled these painful experiences into a powerful advocacy mission, using her platform to dispel harmful myths and fight for inclusion. "I am advocating for change in society and the world at large," she states. "We have to understand that as citizens of this global village we are all different... There is a need for society to embrace this uniqueness."
While at university, she founded the Ayanda Candice Foundation to advocate for women's empowerment and the rights of people with disabilities. The foundation raises money for sunscreen and protective clothing for those with albinism and provides leadership training and mentoring for young women. In 2021, she also served on the European Union's Youth Sounding Board in Zimbabwe, sharing her experiences directly with policymakers.
Her Philosophy
Ayanda’s journey has been defined by her refusal to be limited by others' perceptions. When asked about her experiences, she said:
"I only started to notice I’m ‘different’ in terms of how others treat their idea of me – and not who I really am. So I chose not to let random people’s ignorance steal my peace of mind. I love who I am and I enjoy being in my own skin."
Her drive to succeed is a direct response to being underestimated. "I’m often viewed as a ‘loser’ just because I am ‘different’... I have to win! So I always put my best foot forward." Her greatest lesson from her mentors is to "stay true to who you are." She adds, "I don’t think I would have gotten this far if I pretended to be something I am not."
Frequently Asked Questions
She is known as a multi-award-winning model, a passionate activist for the rights of people with albinism, a law graduate, and the founder of the Ayanda Candice Foundation.
Her most notable titles include Miss Albinism Zimbabwe (2019), Miss University of Zimbabwe (2020), and Miss Africa Zimbabwe (2022).
The Ayanda Candice Foundation raises money for sunscreen and protective clothing for people with albinism, advocates for the rights of people with disabilities, and provides leadership training and mentoring for young women.
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