By Elvis Dumba
Mutorashanga – The 575 toll-free hotline, introduced by First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, continues to transform lives across Zimbabwe.
One such remarkable success story is that of 19-year-old Nelson Mwanza, an orphan from Mutorashanga, who recently found employment through the Angel of Hope Foundation.
Nelson’s journey is one of resilience in the face of adversity. Orphaned at a young age, he has had to navigate life on his own since the death of his father in early childhood, followed by the passing of his mother in 2022 when he was just 16.
“Both my parents died. My father passed away when I was very young, and I lost my mother in 2022,” he recounted.
Determined to change his circumstances, Nelson acted on information he received about the 575 hotline.
“I heard about this platform that helps people like me. I took a chance and called the number,” he said.
Mutorashanga, located along the Great Dyke, has seen a rise in artisanal chrome mining activity. However, the growth has brought social challenges, including an influx of sex workers and drug dealers.
For Nelson, joining a local dance group that performed at local drinking spots was initially a way to earn a small income. But the environment, often plagued by violence and substance abuse, threatened the group’s future.
His fortunes changed when the Angel of Hope Foundation responded to his call. Nelson was offered a position as a dispatch assistant.
“A few days later, I got the news—I had been offered a job. I’m now working, and I’ll be receiving my first salary this coming month. I’m overjoyed,” he shared.
Since the passing of his mother, Nelson has found support in Florence Madzivanzira, a close family friend who stepped in to care for him.
“I was touched by the way Nelson lived. When his brother Evidence left him alone, I took him in as my own son,” she said. Her son, Ngoni, added, “We thank Amai Mnangagwa for changing my friend’s life.”
The Angel of Hope Foundation, the First Lady’s humanitarian initiative, continues to champion social empowerment across communities. Its efforts through the 575 hotline offer critical services such as counselling, job placement, and support for victims of gender-based violence and child abuse.
For Nelson Mwanza, one phone call was all it took to change his life’s trajectory. As he starts this new chapter, he remains hopeful and grateful for the chance to build a brighter future.
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