8 Inspiring Humanitarian Workers from Southern Africa: Lives dedicated to serving

On World Humanitarian Day, we recognize aid workers who continue to inspire us as they selflessly respond to the needs of the children and families in Southern Africa - from emergencies to fighting hunger and various challenges in their communities.

These amazing World Vision staff from Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have been quick to respond to the needs of the families. Their hard work and dedication have enabled World Vision to assist millions through the years.

Angola: “As a humanitarian worker, my job serves the most vulnerable children. I always wanted to do this kind of work. Many realities in the field are very painful but I have to roll my sleeves and work. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve. It allows me to become more human every day.” - Domingos Miguel Nangafina, Emergency Nutrition Programmes Nutrition Advisor in Huila Province

Democratic Republic of Congo: "Visiting the children in the child-friendly space we have established in the village of Beni Territory brings me to the difficult challenges millions of people face in the country. The tough work and the dedication of our staff gives me strength to continue and make a difference in the lives of the children." - Scott Lout, National Director

Lesotho: "Our work as we help save lives of the sick children and people gives me daily inspiration. I keep on encouraging patients with HIV-AIDS to continue with their treatment and never lose hope. I am always grateful to be an instrument for these people." - Mantsajopa, Field Worker

Malawi: "Everyday I get my camera and write about heartbreaking and insipiring realities in the community. I feel blessed to witness hope unfolding in the eyes of children and families we work even at good and difficult times. This is what gives me joy." - Charles Kabena, Communications Officer

Mozambique: "For me being a humanitarian worker means having a passion to help those in dire need. It is a challenging job because you see people in grief - those who lost their love ones and their meager possessions during disasters. If affects me emotionally but I carry one because my work can help ease their burden." - Mauricio Munequele, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Officer

Swaziland: "It is always fulfilling to see the positive impact of what we do. Most of the communities we serve do not have basic necessities like food and water. When we do our stories, it is inspiring to see the children's hopeful faces and the change we bring in the communities. Witnessing families have food and water is priceless." - Zanele Dlamini, Communications Officer

Zambia: "I find great pleasure in seeing how we save lives. My dream is that regardless of religion, race and gender, all people will live life in all its fullness. I recognize the challenge of doing this work especially reaching-out to those in the remote areas, but it gives me fulfillment to see hope on the families we serve." - Humphrey Mwango, Emergency Field Monitor Staff

Zimbabwe: "Many families across Zimbabwe are hungry. Some won't have meals for days and weeks. If they can eat, other basic needs like clothing, shelter and education will never be met. Seeing these realities motivates me more to serve. As a communicator, I hope my stories will help bring positive change in their lives. - Tawanda Makawa, Communications Officer

More staff stories in our Instagram: @worldvisionsaro