The Habakkuk Trust (HT), a Bulawayo-based Christian organisation, recently received the National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations, or NANGO, Peace Award.

The award was in recognition of the organisation’s sterling work in transforming communities through advocacy on human rights and peaceful initiatives. Speaking to Relzim.org, Khumbulani Maphosa, the HT Information and Advocacy Officer, said the organisation has been doing tremendous work in transforming communities through peace initiatives in Zimbabwe and said the award was “a confirmation of what we do.” Mr. Maphosa continued, “It was great to win this award. This shows that our work is recognized at a national level.”

Mr. Maphosa said their organisation draws its inspiration from the biblical prophet Habakkuk who advocated for social justice. “We advocate for social justice and we have organized meetings on national healing, budgeting, human rights, HIV and Aids. One does not need to be a Christian to attend our meetings although we endeavor to transform the society through godly principles.” 

Mr. Maphosa said the award came at a time when the organisation had just held its annual exhibition at the Bulawayo National Art Gallery which ran back in July under the theme “Voices and colour”.

Habakkuk Trust also runs a resource centre called Umkhankaso (Campaign) that operates under the slogan “Creating space for public dialogue, advocacy and information dissemination.” The centre offers boardroom facilities to those who would like to have business meetings, press conferences and public lectures. It also has a library that is used for dissemination of information and stores literature and videos on democracy, human rights, as well as daily and weekly newspapers and newsletters. The centre can also be used for research, community consultations and for media monitoring.

Habakkuk Trust is a Christian organisation founded in 2000 by a group of Church leaders, Christian activists and concerned citizens.