derick.khumalo
Gibson Mhaka
[email protected]
THE National Organisation for Development and Empowerment (NODE), a Zanu-PF affiliate, has received continental recognition after being honoured at the prestigious iChange Nations Africa Awards held recently in Victoria Falls for its contribution to community empowerment and socio-economic transformation.
The recognition places the organisation among a select group of African institutions acknowledged for advancing community development, ethical leadership and initiatives that improve the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
The accolade comes as Zimbabwe accelerates efforts towards attaining Vision 2030, with organisations such as NODE complementing Government programmes aimed at empowering communities in line with President Mnangagwa’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
The awards ceremony brought together former Heads of State, diplomats, traditional leaders, Government officials, development practitioners and civil society representatives from across the continent to celebrate institutions and individuals making a positive impact in their respective countries.
Receiving the award on behalf of the organisation, NODE Bulawayo provincial chairman Mr Eddie Benson Muchenje described the honour as a significant endorsement of the organisation’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable communities through empowerment and sustainable development initiatives.
“To NODE, this award is an assurance that the Vision 2030 mantra is achievable through the philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind. We sincerely appreciate the guidance of our mentor, His Excellency President Mnangagwa, whose vision continues to inspire us to serve communities through empowerment and development,” he said.
Mr Muchenje said the recognition would motivate the organisation to expand programmes that promote patriotism, self-reliance and economic empowerment, particularly among young people.
“Every citizen has a responsibility to cultivate patriotism and love for Zimbabwe, especially among the youth, who remain the country’s future leaders. We believe empowering young people economically and socially is one of the most effective ways of building a prosperous nation,” he said.
Founded in 2012, NODE has grown into a nationwide empowerment organisation with a presence across Zimbabwe as well as in neighbouring South Africa and Botswana.
Its programmes target women, youths, people living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups through initiatives designed to enhance livelihoods, promote entrepreneurship and encourage sustainable community development.
Mr Muchenje said the organisation was established to complement national development efforts by addressing socio-economic challenges confronting communities.
“NODE was founded in 2012 out of a desire to uplift communities by responding to the challenges affecting ordinary Zimbabweans while supporting His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s vision of inclusive national development,” he said.
He said his involvement with NODE evolved from supporting its programmes to assuming leadership of the Bulawayo province after appreciating the impact the organisation was making in communities.
“I was first drawn to NODE because of its commitment to community service and patriotism. As I became more involved, I realised that its programmes were helping transform lives while complementing the national development agenda. When I was entrusted with leading the Bulawayo province, I accepted the responsibility with humility and determination,” he said.
Beyond humanitarian assistance, Mr Muchenje said the organisation had shifted its focus towards sustainable empowerment by equipping beneficiaries with practical skills capable of generating long-term income.
He said instead of creating dependency through donations alone, NODE was empowering communities through vocational skills, entrepreneurship and income-generating projects.
“We want people to become economically independent. Through skills development in sectors such as agriculture, mining, fabrication and steelwork, beneficiaries are equipped to earn sustainable incomes, support their families and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth,” he said.
Mr Muchenje said the organisation was also broadening its developmental footprint by pursuing projects capable of transforming communities and creating opportunities for young people.
“Our vision extends beyond welfare programmes. We are engaging partners on projects that promote infrastructure development, youth empowerment and affordable housing, particularly for self-employed entrepreneurs and small business owners who often struggle to access decent accommodation,” he said.
He added that NODE had intensified its anti-drug and substance abuse campaigns through its “Identify-Rehabilitate-Empower” model, which seeks to rehabilitate affected youths before integrating them into productive economic activities.
The organisation has also undertaken several community-based social responsibility programmes, including providing assistance to vulnerable groups. Last December, it brought festive cheer to 143 inmates at Anju Farm Prison in Matabeleland North through a Christmas outreach initiative that underscored its commitment to ensuring that no segment of society is left behind.
The iChange Nations Africa Awards form part of a global movement that recognises institutions and individuals whose work advances humanity through ethical leadership, community development, humanitarian service and public service.
This year’s recipients included Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Tongai Mnangagwa, Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Richard Moyo, Senator Chief Fortune Charumbira, former Mauritian President Professor Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, former African Union Commission chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Nelson Mandela Foundation chief executive officer Dr Sello Hatang, among other distinguished African leaders.
For NODE, the continental recognition not only celebrates achievements recorded over the past decade but also affirms the growing role of community-based organisations in complementing Government efforts to build an empowered, inclusive and prosperous Zimbabwe.
