Langa Mabena
Tsenulo Moyo
Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga (47) based in Bulawayo, founder of the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust in Zimbabwe has won an international award for her humanitarian work in the community of Zimbabwe.
Mhlanga was awarded the 2024 Best Diplomat Honorary: Diploma of Global Peace and Community Transformation Award by the World of Organisation Ambassadors. Mhlanga has won about 28 international awards and two Zimbabwean awards for her philanthropic work in the Zimbabwean community.
The World of Organisation Ambassadors advocates for global cooperation, peace and cultural exchange. Mhlanga has been appointed in three international roles which are World Citizen Peace Ambassador, G100 Country chair for Zimbabwe SDG Wing and Diplomacy and Negotiations Wing and World of Organisation Ambassadors Regional Director for Zimbabwe also overseeing South Africa.
“This has given me the chance to empower women in vulnerable communities worldwide, show them that an ordinary woman can rise from the ashes and be an influential person internationally. Our biggest project as Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust in Zimbabwe is education as we have managed to ensure that over 1000 children stay in school until they finish ever since we started in 2018. Some of these children are now giving back by uplifting and educating other vulnerable children,” she said.
Mhlanga said her new role as an ambassador at the World of Organisation Ambassadors involves advocating for marginalised and vulnerable communities, promoting humanitarian initiatives and inspiring others to engage in philanthropic activities not only in Zimbabwe but at an international level.
She said that her philanthropic work has influenced her personal growth as her international appointments have given her the stage to impact more people further than her home country.
“I have become a mentor to vulnerable women worldwide and a sister to these women in the vulnerable communities. It’s also a humbling experience being of service to humanity,” said Mhlanga.
Mhlanga said she wanted to build homes, schools and clinics worldwide to continue uplifting vulnerable communities.
“Whenever I see homeless people, I wish I could do something to make a change in a bigger way than what I am doing now, trusting that my international appointments and networking will help me achieve that on an international level starting with Zimbabwe,” she said.
Sidumisile Mabena