Dr Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga leads global humanitarian efforts

Dr Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga has transitioned from her early education at Townsend Girls High School in Bulawayo to becoming a prominent humanitarian leader. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust, she manages initiatives that support women, children, the elderly, and people living with disabilities.

The Trust focuses on several critical areas including food security, healthcare, education, and empowerment. In Zimbabwe, the organisation operates soup kitchens, assists the homeless, and provides programmes to help children remain in school. These efforts are designed to restore dignity to families facing significant hardship.

While the foundation is rooted in Zimbabwe, its philanthropic reach extends to other nations. The Trust provides assistance to beneficiaries in Pakistan, Nigeria, Malawi, and Ghana. Dr Mhlanga views her leadership as a form of service rather than a pursuit of status, noting that her upbringing in a close-knit Bulawayo community shaped her values.

Her commitment to community service has resulted in several international honours. Dr Mhlanga received the 2024 Mahatma Gandhi Global Peace Award, the 2024 Humanitarian Award Global Winner title, and the 2024 Women’s Iconic Award. She was also named an African Influencer Award winner for Zimbabwe in 2024 and received the Women Icon 2025 Award. Additionally, she is a nominee for three 2026 UK-based honours, including Global Woman and She Inspires Global Agent of Change.

Dr Mhlanga remains focused on the tangible results of her work, such as families regaining hope and children returning to classrooms. She advocates for the resilience of Zimbabwean women and expresses a desire to see young girls gain access to financial independence and leadership roles. Her ultimate goal is to be remembered for compassion in action and a life dedicated to selfless service.