Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A BULAWAYO woman, Thina Mpofu of the Visionary Cadres Association of Zimbabwe (ViCAZ), has been honoured with the Humanitarian Impact Award after mobilising more than US$50 000 for crisis relief across communities.
Mpofu won by jury decision at the 2025 LIST Awards held in Harare on 21 November, where outstanding individuals from across Southern Africa were celebrated for innovation, resilience, youth empowerment and humanitarian work. Award winners shared stories of impact ranging from technological breakthroughs and pandemic response to youth rehabilitation and arts development.
The Humanitarian Impact Award recognises individuals who have gone beyond the ordinary to raise over US$50 000 in resources either personally or by rallying others to support populations affected by cyclones, droughts, pandemics and other emergencies.
Mpofu, the founding trustee of Doing Good Projects Trust, said the recognition affirms years of community work often done quietly and without expectation of reward.
Her humanitarian work dates back to 2018 when her organisation fed 12 street children along Jason Moyo Street between 6th Avenue and Leopold Takawira. From June to December that year, the children received daily hot meals, with eight eventually returning home after reunification confirmed by their guardians.
During the COVID 19 lockdowns, she partnered with UK based women’s prayer group Arise Deborah to feed 75 children aged between zero and ten in Emakhandeni, Entumbane, Njube and New Magwegwe. Meals were provided twice weekly until the pandemic eased. Her organisation continues to donate school uniforms to underprivileged children and hosts an annual Christmas party for 25 vulnerable children, providing new clothes and food hampers.
Mpofu said being the only woman from Bulawayo recognised at regional level was an honour and proof that silent humanitarian efforts are being seen.
She said the award encourages other local women who work tirelessly in communities without public recognition. She also highlighted challenges faced by grassroots humanitarian workers, including misconceptions about personal wealth when private resources are used to support others.
She recalled how in 2020 she used her year end bonus to fund a Christmas initiative after community members watched but did not contribute. Only after witnessing her consistency did people begin to join and support the work.
The LIST Awards also highlighted achievements in emerging technologies, youth development, sports and arts, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 focus on human capital development.
Blessing Chizhande