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Tsenulo Moyo
IN an unprecedented display of dedication and impact, the founder of the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust, Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga (47), has been recognised with 35 awards internationally and locally in just less than a year for her tireless efforts in transforming lives and communities.
Mhlanga founded the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust in 2018 with a mission to assist vulnerable individuals in communities across Zimbabwe, such as people with disabilities, widows, orphans, and homeless people.
The trust provides critical support including food, medical care, education, and psychosocial assistance to those in need. Beyond direct aid, Mhlanga advocates for marginalised groups and inspires others to create change. She participated in the “United Nations Best Diplomats simulation” and co-authored the anthology titled Women Making a Difference, showing her commitment to amplifying overlooked voices.
The Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust is registered in Zimbabwe, South Africa and the United Kingdom and has more than 5 000 beneficiaries.
Mhlanga has been awarded the prestigious Mahatma Gandhi Global Peace Award 2024, Humanitarian Award Global Winner, 2024 Best Diplomat Honorary: Diploma of Global Peace and Community Transformation Award, International Mother Teresa Award 2024, African Influencer Awards 2024 in Zimbabwe and many more.
Mhlanga said it was an amazing feeling getting all this recognition for her work but also “scary” as these awards come with huge responsibilities for her career-wise.
“I also feel that if I can be recognised from a thousand women internationally then any man or woman can achieve the same regardless of their background,” she said.
“My journey has been an emotional one as I lost key people that I thought would walk this journey with me and I was also afraid to continue on my own after the death of Aboobaker Omar in 2021 who was also a co-founder of the trust,” Mhlanga said.
Mhlanga said she learnt a lot about giving and helping underprivileged communities from Omar as he did such acts with ease and patience as he was a father figure to many.
“There are some people who encouraged me to keep going and that they would stand by my side. These people became donors and sponsors of Nozizwe in the long run, “she said.
Her advice to individuals and organisations engaging in philanthropic work: “Giving should come from the heart and not from the head, the head is logical and can be dissuaded, the heart feels for others in need, giving wholeheartedly and willingly should not have to be a chore.”
She also said these communities she is serving have become like family to her.
“My dream is to build schools, homes and hospitals worldwide to cater for vulnerable communities and actively involve them in sustainable skills empowerment programmes to uplift these communities. It is also my dream to have a home for children with special needs who are abandoned because of their disabilities and have no family structure,” she said.
Online Reporter