Restoring dignity, rebuilding futures: Inside the Work of the Nozizwe Mother Of Nations Trust
Valencia Ndhlovu
In communities where poverty, illness, and social vulnerability often strip families of hope, the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust has emerged as a quiet but powerful force for change one rooted in dignity, service, and community led empowerment
One story that captures the heart of the Trust’s work is that of a young girl from a rural community who was forced to abandon her education after her father, the family’s sole breadwinner, suffered a stroke. With no safety net, she became a full time caregiver to her father, her mother, and her younger siblings, and school was no longer an option. When the Trust encountered her, she had completely lost hope of ever returning to the classroom.
Through the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust, the girl received school fees, uniforms, meals, and emotional support. More than material assistance, she was reminded that her future still mattered. Today, she is back in school, excelling academically and aspiring to become a doctor. Reflecting on the impact of such interventions, Ambassador Dr Iris Nozizwe Mhlanga (48), founder of the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust, says, “That transformation from despair to purpose is the essence of our work. It is about restoring dignity and creating opportunity where it has been lost.”
For Dr Mhlanga, the work of the Trust goes far beyond programmes and projects; it is deeply personal. “The most rewarding part of this journey is witnessing dignity being restored,” she says. “When a child smiles again, when a mother regains confidence, or when a community begins to stand on its own, it confirms that service not status is the truest form of leadership.”
The Trust’s approach to empowerment is holistic and grounded in listening. In Matabeleland, across Zimbabwe, and through outreach programmes in Ghana, Malawi, and Nigeria, it works with communities rather than for them. Immediate needs such as food security, education, and medical assistance are addressed alongside long term investments in skills training, mentorship, and sustainable livelihoods. “Empowerment is not about dependency,” Dr Mhlanga explains. “It is about equipping people with the tools and confidence to shape their own futures.”
Like many humanitarian organisations, the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust faces growing demand amid limited resources, as vulnerable communities continue to experience economic and social pressures. These challenges are met through collaboration and collective action. Strategic partnerships, including work with Mustard Seed Communities and other like minded organisations in Zimbabwe, have strengthened the Trust’s reach while ensuring accountability and sustainability.
Looking ahead, the Trust is focused on expanding education support, strengthening food security initiatives, advancing women’s economic empowerment, and developing youth leadership. Its long-term vision centres on sustainable, community driven programmes that can be replicated across regions. “Lasting change does not come from outside intervention alone,” Dr Mhlanga says. “It begins when communities are empowered to lead their own transformation.”
Beyond material support, the Trust places strong emphasis on storytelling and diplomacy as tools for social change. As an author and internationally recognised advocate, Dr Mhlanga believes stories humanise development work and influence policy. When communities share their own stories, they reclaim their narratives and inspire others.
Through its work, the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust continues to amplify these voices and strengthen community led solutions, guided by a simple belief: dignity is not given it is restored, protected, and sustained through collective action.
