Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
A NEW book chronicling the extensive humanitarian work of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa through her Angel of Hope Foundation has been launched, with speakers describing it as a timely national record of compassion-driven leadership and development-focused philanthropy.
The publication, titled “Angel of Hope: Sustainable Philanthropic Interventions,” was written by University of Zimbabwe academics.
It captures the First Lady’s far-reaching programmes in health, education, drug and substance abuse rehabilitation, women empowerment, social welfare, environment, wildlife among other several initiatives since the establishment of the Foundation in 2018.
The book was officially unveiled at the magnificent Baradzanwa Cultural Village, Mazoe, in a colourful ceremony attended by Government ministers, academics, traditional leaders, development partners and community representatives, who hailed the First Lady’s humanitarian work as life-changing and nationally inspiring.
The publication outlines how Dr Mnangagwa’s interventions have transformed lives and restored hope among vulnerable groups across the country, while promoting development programmes designed not merely to provide short-term relief, but to create lasting empowerment anchored on community ownership and sustainability.
In a show of strong public interest, the book was auctioned, drawing bids from several individuals, tertiary institutions, corporate organisations, schools and local authorities making a beeline to purchase copies, underscoring growing appreciation of the Angel of Hope Foundation’s work.
Speaking as the guest of honour at the launch, Dr Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to the University of Zimbabwe Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Paul Mapfumo, and his team for recognising the Angel of Hope Foundation’s work through a scholarly publication.
Dr Mnangagwa said the book was not a personal story, but a shared national narrative built on collective effort and the resilience of communities that have embraced development programmes spearheaded through the Foundation.
“While this book may bear my name and reflect programmes and initiatives I am associated with, I wish to state with the utmost sincerity that this is a shared narrative of collective effort and human resilience.
“We have not simply produced a book, but we have created a record of lived experience of caring in action,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said the book highlights the importance of many hands coming together, not out of obligation but out of a shared condition that we are bound to one another through the spirit of hunhu/ubuntu.
“May this book challenge us not only to admire, but also to act, and remind us that service is not an event, but a sustained commitment, and may it encourage each of us in our own way to contribute to a future that is more just, compassionate and inclusive.
“This book, therefore, is not conclusive. It is an opening, a starting point for deeper reflection, more grounded action, and more accountable forms of service,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also commended the authors, Dr Tsiidzai Matsika and Dr Sheunesu Mandizvidza, for their dedication in documenting the Foundation’s milestones and extended heartfelt appreciation to communities across Zimbabwe and development partners for their cooperation in ensuring the success of various initiatives.
“I am really humbled that you took your patient time to make sure this book has the exceptional quality that it has, with all the details that make it an awesome book.
“To the teams working quietly behind the scenes, your commitment has sustained this journey in ways that are not always visible, but are being felt. To our partners, this work is made possible because of shared efforts, not parallel efforts,” she said.
To the communities across the nation, Mother Zimbabwe said they have not only received support, but have also shaped this world through their resilience, impact and strength.
Co-authors Dr Tsiidzai Matsika and Dr Sheunesu Mandizvidza said the book was inspired by the need to preserve and institutionalise a humanitarian journey that has transformed thousands of lives, reflecting not only the First Lady’s actions, but what her work represents.
“We encountered, when we were in our corner office, something that demanded documentation, something that could not remain anecdotal, just a story without evidence, fragmented or lost to time.
“And so we felt compelled as scholars, Zimbabweans, and witnesses to document, analyse and preserve it as part of our national intellectual and historical record,” she said.
Dr Matsika said they were privileged to spend some time in the spaces that Dr Mnangagwa herself moved in, expressing gratitude for the trust that had been placed in them, for granting them the rare and invaluable opportunity to enter these spaces, engage with communities, and tell this story.
“This was not merely access. It was an invitation to witness compassion in action, to observe leadership that moves towards accountability, and to understand how hope is built, sustained and lived. This book insists that such ways must not remain invisible, undocumented, impractical, yet untheorised.
“Indeed, this is a Zimbabwean story written by Zimbabweans, for Zimbabweans, and grounded in our philosophy of care, community and resilience,” she said.
UZ Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mapfumo described the book as a national celebration of service, leadership and inspiration, adding that it reflected the university’s commitment to supporting national development through research and documentation.
“This book occupies a unique space within our mandate as a university. It is a product of rigorous research and analysis, yet accessible and compelling to the reader.
“The practical compassion leading transformation that is encapsulated in this book resonates with our national growth. It embodies our mandate to generate and document knowledge that serves society, preserves our collective memory and inspires future generations,” he said.
Prof Mapfumo said the book launch not only marks a milestone in their institution and higher education sector, but also signifies a national celebration of leadership and inspiration.
“In this book, the intersection of academic inquiry with storytelling and evidence-based documentation demonstrates our commitment to true identity and sustainable development,” he said.
“The knowledge we generate and the stories we record shape the Zimbabwe we are in, one that is informed, confident, innovative and proud. This publication finds its natural home in that regard, offering tribute to purposeful service while remaining focused on inspiring subjects it documents.”
Higher and Tertiary Education Deputy Minister Simelisizwe Sibanda said they were proud to celebrate the launch of a remarkable publication that captures the spirit of compassion, innovation and sustainable development in the nation.
“It highlights interventions that go beyond charity, focusing instead on empowerment, resilience and long-term impact in areas such as healthcare, education and economic development.
“It is more than a chronicle of achievements, it is a blueprint for action. It challenges us to rethink how we serve, how we lead and how we build a more equitable society. At the centre of this inspiring narrative is a visionary leader, a compassionate mother of the nation, and a champion of Zimbabwe,” he said.
Deputy Minister Sibanda said Dr Mnangagwa, affectionately known as Amai, through her leadership, philanthropy has been redefined.
“We gather not only to celebrate a book, but to recognise a movement. One that speaks to the very heart of Zimbabwe’s development aspirations.
“In a world where poverty, inequality and limited access to essential services remain a pressing challenge, this publication stands as both a record and a response documenting practical, warm-blooded solutions that are changing lives across our communities,” he said.
Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tino Machakaire said the honour accorded to the First Lady was befitting, after showing that true leadership is measured not only in policy and position, but in the lives touched, hope inspired and futures restored.
“Your vision has given voice to the voiceless, strengthened the weak, and reached deeply those who need it the most. Let us carry forward the spirit of Angel of Hope, a spirit of compassion, service and shared responsibility.
“A spirit that reminds us that development is not only about infrastructure and economics, but about people, dignity and humanity,” he said. Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo hailed the initiative, saying the First Lady’s programmes were contributing meaningfully to the transformation of communities across the province and beyond.
The launch was spiced with thrilling entertainment from the University of Zimbabwe ensemble, while a moving poetic recital narrated the First Lady’s nationwide humanitarian initiatives, drawing applause from the audience.
In its synopsis, the book describes Dr Mnangagwa’s humanitarian work as a “ray of hope”, saying her steadfast dedication to serving humanity has helped shape a new culture of organised, sustainable philanthropy.
It states that the publication chronicles the inspiring journey of the First Lady and her transformative work through the Angel of Hope Foundation, offering compelling narratives and expert analysis on her philanthropic model, which is rooted in heritage-based values while embracing modern development approaches.
The book further highlights how the First Lady introduced and popularised a local philanthropic ecosystem, focusing on sustainable solutions that empower women, children and the underprivileged.
From education to healthcare, economic empowerment to social inclusivity, the publication reveals the impact of collaborative interventions, strategic partnerships and community-led initiatives.
It also presents personal anecdotes of those touched by the First Lady’s compassion and outlines innovative approaches that have earned the Angel of Hope Foundation international acclaim.
The authors describe the publication as a comprehensive guide to effective philanthropy and a valuable resource for philanthropists, policymakers and social entrepreneurs, adding that it is expected to inspire a new generation of change-makers.
