Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga, Founder – Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust
- Great Companies
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Great Companies: How did you get your idea or concept for the business?
Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga:
The idea for Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust was born in 2018 from a deeply personal and emotional experience. I encountered a homeless disabled man who had collapsed from hunger. That moment changed me. It ignited a burning desire to make a difference and support the most vulnerable in our communities—those without access to basic needs like food, medical assistance, or emotional support.
I realized there was a significant gap in services for people facing extreme hardship, and I knew I had to act. The name "Nozizwe Mother of Nations" symbolizes nurturing and care—just like a mother would offer her children. My mission is to uplift, empower, and restore dignity to the overlooked and underserved.
Great Companies: What are the various services provided by Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust?
Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga:
Our trust provides a wide range of services designed to holistically support vulnerable communities:
Food Distribution: Supplying food parcels, particularly during periods of crisis.
Medical Assistance: Providing medical supplies and aid for people with disabilities, injuries, or chronic conditions.
Psychosocial Support: Offering counseling and emotional support to individuals facing trauma or mental health challenges.
Material Aid: Distributing essential items like blankets, clothing, and mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
Educational Support: Supporting access to education through tuition assistance and the provision of school supplies.
Our work primarily supports:
People with disabilities
Widows and orphans
Homeless individuals
Our mission is to restore hope, dignity, and independence for those society often forgets.
Great Companies: What makes Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust different from other humanitarian organizations?
Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga:
Several elements make our trust truly unique:
Holistic Approach: We address physical, emotional, and social needs—not just one aspect of poverty or vulnerability.
Personalized Care: We don't apply one-size-fits-all solutions. Each beneficiary's circumstances are considered individually.
Community-Driven Impact: We collaborate with local leaders to co-create sustainable solutions and ensure long-term results.
Passionate Leadership: I am personally and emotionally invested in every aspect of this mission, and so is our team.
Global Recognition: We are honored to have partnerships and acknowledgment from international organizations, increasing our reach and effectiveness.
These factors allow us to not only provide aid but also foster real, lasting transformation.
Great Companies: What were the struggles and challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga:
There have been many challenges:
Limited funding and resources
Reaching remote communities
Gaining trust among stakeholders
Sustaining growth while maintaining impact
To overcome these, I focused on:
Building strong partnerships and volunteer networks
Leveraging transparency and accountability to gain support
Staying focused on our values and mission, even during tough times
Through resilience, faith, and persistence, we’ve built something meaningful—and we continue to grow.
Great Companies: How do you plan to grow in the future? What does the next five years look like for Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust?
Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga:
Our five-year vision is ambitious and impact-driven:
Expand Reach: Increase the number of communities and beneficiaries we serve—beyond the current 5,000 individuals.
Enhance Services: Offer more specialized, sustainable programs tailored to the needs of those we serve.
Strengthen Global Partnerships: Collaborate with more international organizations to amplify our impact.
Financial Sustainability: Diversify our funding beyond in-kind donations and develop long-term financial strategies.
Legacy Building: Cement Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust as a leading humanitarian organization in Zimbabwe and beyond.
My dream is to leave behind a legacy of hope, compassion, and transformation—empowering future generations to continue this mission.
Great Companies: If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga:
Start with passion and stay committed. Identify a cause that speaks to your soul. Let that fire guide your actions. You’ll face challenges—many of them—but if your purpose is clear and your heart is in it, you will persevere.
Be open to learning. Adapt, evolve, and never underestimate the power of community and collaboration. A passionate heart, driven by purpose, can indeed change the world.
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