Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust was formally established in 2018 by lris Nozizwe Zemza Mhlanga, a pharmacologist turned philanthropist.
“From as early as l can remember l have always been a giver, even stealing food from home just to help those without at school. The spankings l got afterward did not deter me from sharing. Today, the Nozizwe Trust feeds over 1,200 orphans per day, pays tuition for more than 1,000, and has over 5,000 beneficiaries and counting around the country.
Philanthropy has always run in my family. Stories are told of a paternal ancestor who helped many people and urged other family members to do the same. My father heeded the call and played his part by caring for the vulnerable in the family, extended family, and community in general.
After he died, I tried to follow in his footsteps, but for me, the real turning point came when I helped a disabled man by feeding him. After taking note of his need for a wheelchair, I took to social media, which helped me acquire one for him.
Little did l know that that was the beginning of something great.
As I mentioned before, we feed over 1,000 kids daily through five kitchens that we set up through Mustard Seed Communities. This program began as a feeding program in Northend and later became a children’s home, caring for the differently abled and special needs children in the community.
My involvement came when l passing through and saw the kids being fed outside the gate. l inquired about what was happening and was told that it was a soup kitchen. l took some pictures and appealed to social media and the response was overwhelming.
We have had CEOs and directors of companies come to volunteer anonymously, which is amazing. The response from both corporates and individuals has been great.
Over the years, l have come across some painful circumstances – from child-headed families to the elderly caring for the elderly. Imagine a 70-year-old daughter caring for her 112-year-old mother who is an invalid. It just breaks your heart.
The case that stands out the most for me is the first person l helped. He had no family and survived by begging. What pains me the most is that he died recently, alone.
The trust also provides water to various communities through the drilling of boreholes, so people have access to clean water. We also facilitate skills empowerment as well as rehabilitation for prisoners in Khami and Chikurubi, to name a few.
Our long-term goal is to construct a halfway house for young girls and women where they will be trained in self-help skills and receive counseling where needed, with the aim to have them live self sufficiently.
When Nozizwe started, it was not for recognition. It was just a platform to help those without. To think that so far l have won 8 international awards is just scary and humbling. Sometimes l know who has nominated me and sometimes l have no idea.
To date, l have been nominated on 20 international platforms such as Global Icon 2024 and a Women Changing the World finalist in two categories – Humanitarian lmpact and Non Profit, just to name a few.
I was selected to write a chapter in a book entitled Women Making a Difference with 24 other phenomenal women from different walks of life organized by Women’s Business Collective, Peace Mitchell, and Katy Garner from Australia. The launch will be done in collaboration with Dr Tererai Trent and Sarah Duchess of York. The collection was launched online on May 1 and the UK launch was on May 25. l am also in the process of penning another book which will be launched in New York in October.
I am excited about what the future holds for the Nozizwe movement as it grows from strength to strength. We will just continue offering help where it is most needed as a community.”
