06/08/2026
Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga : Magazine Feature
Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga is a Zimbabwean humanitarian diplomat, global peace advocate, author, and visionary leader widely known as “Nozizwe” (Mother of Nations). She is recognized for her dedication to humanitarian service, women’s empowerment, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.
In 2018, she founded the Nozizwe Mother of Nations Trust, which focuses on improving the lives of vulnerable communities through initiatives in food security, education, maternal health, disability support, youth and women empowerment, and poverty alleviation.
Between 2019 and 2025, she strengthened her leadership and diplomatic expertise through international training in leadership, peacebuilding, humanitarian work, and global development. Her work has earned her several international ambassadorial appointments, including roles as a Woman Changing the World Ambassador, World Citizen Peace Ambassador, G100 Country Chair for Zimbabwe (SDG & Diplomacy Wing), and Regional Director within global diplomatic networks.
Her outstanding contributions have been recognized through more than 100 international awards, including the Global Influencer Award, Global Shero Award, and a nomination for the International Mother Teresa Award. She also received an Honorary Doctorate in Social Work.
As an author and thought leader, Dr. Mhlanga advocates for servant leadership, resilience, diplomacy, and community transformation. Her long-term vision is to establish sustainable schools, healthcare outreach centers, halfway homes, and empowerment programs across Africa and beyond.
Through her humanitarian diplomacy and commitment to service, Ambassador Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga continues to inspire and empower communities globally, living up to her name, “Mother of Nations.”
