Background and Expertise
Mapfumo Chidzonga is a Zimbabwean‑born, first‑generation Canadian husband, father, storyteller, and self‑proclaimed “systems shaper and belonging practitioner”. A seasoned engagement and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) leader, Mapfumo designs and facilitates innovative, equity‑centered strategies that strengthen relationships between communities and institutions. As Director of Engagement, Equity & Belonging with Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI), he leads systemic change that transforms workplaces into inclusive environments where all employees can thrive. His work blends culturally grounded engagement with actionable EDIA practice, amplifying underrepresented and underserved voices.
For more than a decade, he has turned equity from aspiration into action across municipal and provincial systems, speaking on stages and screens across Canada in academic, community, and public‑sector forums. Whether addressing Ubuntu, Africentricity, anti‑racism, inclusive leadership, or belonging as a radical act, Mapfumo is guided by a simple mantra: dignity first, people always. His work is about helping us remember who we are to one another by humanizing the systems, stories, and institutions that shape our lives, calling people in toward justice, care, and belonging rather than pushing them away. He holds a Master’s in International Development and an EDI certification from Dalhousie, but insists his best training came from childhood lessons in Harare [hah-rah-ray]: that true belonging starts when we see each other’s humanity first.
Rooted in Ubuntu
Mapfumo’s dedication to social justice is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Hunhu/Ubuntu, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of communal harmony. This philosophy, summarized by the expressions “I am because we are, since we are, therefore I am” and “I cannot be fully me if you are not fully who you are destined to be. I AM because WE ARE“, has profoundly influenced his values and actions. Throughout his life, Mapfumo was immersed in Hunhu/Ubuntu, shaping his values, nurturing his curiosity, and instilling a passion for social justice and equitable change. This belief in interconnectedness and mutual respect drives his commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive communities.
Embracing Authenticity.
Mapfumo offers crucial advice for newcomers in community engagement and anti-racism fields, emphasizing the importance of integrating unique cultural and personal experiences into their professional practice. He advocates that embracing and showcasing one’s authentic self can make a meaningful impact and inspire others.
Community-Led Success
Mapfumo carried this philosophy of authenticity and cultural integration into one of his most notable projects: his work with the historic African Nova Scotian community of Beechville.
In this project, Mapfumo led a community-informed media action planning exercise that addressed longstanding issues with development threatening to erase the community. The initiative urged planners to recognize systemic racism within planning policies and practices and to adopt cultural humility. It not only became a model for how communities can effectively engage with government but also demonstrated the leadership and agency within the community. This project showcased a promising approach to working with Black communities, highlighting the importance of community-led decision-making and the integration of cultural humility and systemic racism recognition in planning practices.
Courage and Growth
Reflecting on his journey, Mapfumo acknowledges that he would have approached some conversations differently. He wishes he had been more outspoken, believing that having the courage to speak out more often and earlier could have positioned him at the forefront of change much sooner. Although nothing disastrous occurred as a result of his silence, he recognizes that being more direct in challenging sentiments and issues could have accelerated progress. This realization highlights his commitment to personal growth and his determination to confront challenges more assertively in the future.
