A man, falsely accused. Spent a decade in prison. Was stripped from his dignity and lost everything.
When Everything Was Stripped Away
In 2003, successful Zimbabwean businessman Rusty Labuschagne had everything—until he was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to 10 years in Zimbabwe's most notorious prisons. What he discovered in those dark years would transform not only his life but the lives of thousands around the world.
Over 10000+ transformed lives
Rusty Labuschagne operated a thriving safari business, flew his own aircraft across Zimbabwe’s stunning landscapes, and owned a fishing resort on Lake Kariba. His life was one of adventure, freedom, and entrepreneurial success.
Then, in a single moment, everything changed.
Framed by a poacher, betrayed by police, and wrongfully convicted by corrupt courts, Rusty was sentenced to a decade behind bars during one of Zimbabwe’s darkest periods. He endured conditions most would find unbearable—severe food shortages, no running water, people dying around him daily, and the complete loss of everything he had worked for.
But rather than letting bitterness consume him, Rusty drew on inner resources he never knew existed. Through faith in God, unwavering determination, and a positive mental attitude, he not only survived but discovered profound truths about resilience, forgiveness, gratitude, and what it truly means to be free.
Experience the Message
Rusty is a premier international speaker whose authentic message resonates with CEOs, corporate teams, faith communities, and individuals facing their own challenges. His story proves that no matter what chains bind you, freedom is possible from within.
Book Rusty to Speak
Learn how Rusty developed life-saving resilience in conditions that would break most people, and discover practical strategies for harnessing your own inner strength when facing life’s toughest challenges.Eos laudantium repellat sed architecto earum unde incidunt. Illum sit dolores voluptatem.
Read the Book
Discover how Rusty transformed bitterness into forgiveness, releasing the emotional chains that bound him and finding true freedom—not through his circumstances changing, but through his heart changing.
Watch His Testimony
Witness how Rusty turned his suffering into significance, using his story to inspire thousands worldwide and proving that your darkest moments can become your greatest ministry to others.Discover how Rusty transformed bitterness into forgiveness, releasing the emotional chains that bound him and finding true freedom—not through his circumstances changing, but through his heart changing.
Learn more about Rusty's story, his speaking topics, and how to bring his message to your audience.
Yes, absolutely. Rusty was wrongfully convicted in 2003 and served 10 years in Zimbabwe’s prison system, including Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison. He was released in 2013. His case is documented in Zimbabwe’s legal records, and approximately 70% of his book was written from his prison cell.
Rusty offers multiple keynote presentations including: Resilient Beyond Measure (harnessing inner strength), Freedom Through Forgiveness (the power of letting go), The Power of Gratitude (finding blessings in darkness), Harnessing Hope (strength in uncertain times), and From Chains to Purpose (discovering God’s plan through adversity). Each can be tailored to your audience.
Rusty speaks to diverse audiences including corporate conferences, leadership summits, faith-based organisations, churches, educational institutions, healthcare groups, sales conferences, and personal development events. His message has broad appeal across industries and cultures.
Rusty is based in Cape Town, South Africa, and travels internationally for speaking engagements. He has delivered presentations across multiple continents and is available for events worldwide, both in-person and virtually.
Beating Chains is available through the online shop on this website in physical book, digital download, and MP4 video formats. It’s also available through major retailers including Amazon and Barnes & Noble internationally.
Rusty’s authenticity. He’s not sharing theories or second-hand stories—he lived every moment of his message. His sincerity, humility, and practical wisdom come from real survival in extreme conditions. His story of forgiveness and transformation provides genuine hope, not shallow positivity.
From corporate boardrooms to faith-based organisations, Rusty’s powerful message of resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity has inspired audiences at some of the world’s most respected companies and institutions.
Ready to Experience the Message That Changes Lives?
Whether you're looking to inspire your team with Rusty's transformational speaking event or want to dive into his remarkable journey through the book, take the next step towards discovering true resilience and freedom.
Forgiveness
Gratitude
Humility
Resilience
Purpose
