Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
THE year 2024 has been remarkable for Adrian Dingiswayo — it has been filled with significant achievements. With the year drawing to a close, he has the opportunity to add even more accolades to his list.
In July, Dingiswayo delivered a keynote address at the Global Water Security Symposium in Malaysia, earning prestigious recognition for his impactful message. He made history as the first Zimbabwean man to receive the Global Changemaker Award and was honoured with a place on the UN Sustainable Development Goals Honours List.
The 22-year-old Dingiswayo describes the validation of his work as “overwhelming and incredibly humbling.” Additionally, he received the Social Impact Award at Africa’s largest gathering of change-makers, the Global Entrepreneurship event, which attracted over 20 million concurrent viewers.
On the humanitarian front, his My Steps of Hope Initiative, which began as a modest project, also expanded significantly. The initiative has provided over 1 000 items of stationery and beverages to children in Gokwe North, Zhombe, and Nembudziya.
Dingiswayo noted that the food donations, totalling 2 200 meals, “have shown me the importance of sustaining communities in times of need.”
“My 2024 journey has been a landmark year, one that has transformed me both professionally and personally,” he tells Saturday Chronicle.
He describes the year so far as a period of intense learning, deep introspection, and outstanding achievements that have surpassed his expectations.
“This year has not only tested my resolve but also reinforced my commitment to making a difference, not just for myself, but for others who are often marginalised and overlooked. As I look back, the journey feels like a whirlwind of milestones, challenges, and growth, each event deeply interwoven with a sense of purpose and impact.”
Dingiswayo’s life story has not been all smooth sailing. The year 2020 brought a formidable challenge — a fierce battle with cerebral meningitis. The ordeal halted his academic pursuits but kindled a fierce determination to overcome adversity.
His tenacity has not only seen him through personal trials but has also propelled him into the sphere of global diplomacy, hence a year of achievement and recognition.
“This year has been transformative in ways I could have never imagined. From being the first male Zimbabwean to receive the prestigious Global Changemaker Award to securing a spot on the UN Sustainable Development Goals Honours List, the validation of my work has been overwhelming and incredibly humbling,” says Dingiswayo.
For Dingiswayo, these honours are not just accolades; they are a testament to his dedication to humanitarian efforts and his drive to create tangible change in the lives of those who need it most.
“Perhaps one of the most significant achievements this year has been being awarded the best delegate and being selected for the honour list for the United Nations Sustainable Goals, a recognition that symbolises the dedication of young people to humanitarian causes worldwide.
“The knowledge of having achieved this alongside the Global Changemaker Award has cemented my belief in the impact young people can have. These are two of the most significant accolades one can receive between the ages of 9-25, and it is an honour I do not take lightly.”
He also received the Social Impact Award at the Global Entrepreneurship event, Africa’s largest gathering of change-makers, with a staggering audience of over 20 million concurrent viewers. It was a platform that emphasised the reach and importance of our collective mission — to inspire and uplift communities through innovation and purposeful action.
“The honour of being part of the Forbes Black community also affirmed my identity as a creative visionary committed to pushing boundaries and opening doors for others in similar spaces,” said Dingiswayo.
Reflecting on “My Steps of Hope Initiative”, Dingiswayo says the scale of impact felt in these communities has been a powerful reminder that change begins with one step — often a simple one — taken with genuine intent and care.
“Likewise, the food donations, amounting to 2 200 meals, have shown me the importance of sustaining communities in times of need. With 800 meals distributed just last month, this ongoing effort reminds me that hunger is an issue we can tackle together. This is not about charity, but about solidarity and ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry because of circumstances beyond their control.”
Dingiswayo adds that this year has not just been about humanitarian work but also about honing his skills as a leader and professional.
“Being the first male Zimbabwean to serve as a diplomat at the United Nations and receiving honourable mention at the International Model United Nations Conference in Malta, Portugal, has been a crowning achievement.
“These experiences have given me a global platform to advocate for the values I believe in, and they have broadened my understanding of diplomacy, negotiation, and international relations.”
His stand-out moment was participating in the Mission Malta Conference in July 2024, he says. The conference was an opportunity to meet with leaders and influencers from around the world and to advocate for policies that will bring about meaningful and lasting change.
“It reaffirmed my belief that, no matter where you come from, your voice can have a powerful impact if you use it wisely and passionately.”
Reflections on 2024 have been more than just a collection of accomplishments; it has been a year of sowing seeds for the future, he notes. Each award, project, and initiative is not an end but a beginning — a foundation upon which I hope to build even greater change, he says.
“From receiving recognition on global platforms to engaging in local communities, this year has reminded me that the true measure of success is not in accolades but in the lives touched, the barriers broken, and the new paths forged for those who will come after me.
“The honours are gratifying, but they are also a call to action — a reminder that the work is far from over. As I look to the future, I am filled with hope and determination.”
The challenges of 2024, he says, have “fortified my resolve, the successes have ignited my passion, and the experiences have deepened my understanding of what it means to serve others. It is not enough to be a voice; I must be a catalyst, a beacon of change that lights the way for others.”
“As I move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned, the lives touched, and the promise of even greater achievements on the horizon. It has been a year that has not only defined who I am but also clarified who I aspire to be — a leader, a humanitarian, and a relentless advocate for a better, brighter, and more equitable future.”
He looks forward to graduating in March with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. However, the year could end with yet another global award. On 5 December, he is a nominee for a prestigious global award.
Online Reporter