Chiedza Makwara embodies the spirit of unyielding determination and multifaceted excellence, rising from the dusty streets of Gweru, Zimbabwe, to become a trailblazing entrepreneur, bestselling author, and vocal advocate for women across Africa. Her life story challenges the rigid boxes society often imposes, proving that creativity and commerce can coexist harmoniously in one extraordinary individual. As a 2019 Mandela Washington Fellow and multilingual powerhouse speaking English, Shona, Ndebele, French, and Mandarin, she weaves narratives that heal, empower, and provoke change, leaving an indelible mark on Zimbabwean culture and beyond.Born and raised in the small town of Gweru, Chiedza discovered her passion for storytelling at a tender age, devouring advanced texts like Shakespeare’sJulius Caesarwhile scribbling her own tales, such as one about a dog eating a chicken that captivated her high school peers.
Teachers spotted her raw talent early, providing paper for book covers and prophesying greatness, even as her family—steeped in Zimbabwe’s academic-centric culture—pushed her toward “respectable” paths like medicine, dubbing her “Doctor” despite her dreams of television and media stardom. Undeterred by these pressures and the dismissal of arts as non-viable careers, she honed her craft in secret, influenced by Western pop culture and South African TV, laying the foundation for a career that would shatter expectations.Pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and later an MBA candidate at Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Chiedza channeled her business acumen into co-founding Charlie Stevens International, a logistics powerhouse offering customs clearance, freight forwarding, shipping, and an overnight courier service rivaling giants like DHL and UPS. Entering this male-dominated industry after a decade of experience, she faced skepticism but built the firm through grit, strategic partnerships, and a bold five-year vision to dominate Southern Africa, all while merging her creative soul with entrepreneurial drive.
Her professional triumphs extend to broadcasting as a talk show host, scriptwriting, and guest lecturing at the University of Zimbabwe, where she inspires the next generation to defy limitations.In 2017, Chiedza self-published her debut novel,Bongile: Journey to Redemption, a gripping bestseller that unflinchingly portrays a woman’s harrowing odyssey through abuse, HIV diagnosis, poor choices, societal shaming, and ultimate self-redemption during a bus trip to her rural roots—mirroring the silent struggles of countless overlooked women in Zimbabwe. The book ignited nationwide dialogues on gender-based violence and resilience, evolving into the award-winning musical theatre productionBongile We Are, which she scripted, executive-produced, sold out five nights in 2019, and clinched two National Arts Merit Awards (NAMAs) in 2020, cementing its status as one of Zimbabwe’s greatest theatrical feats. Through her writing and productions, starring talents like Tahle We Dzinza and Gemma Music, she transforms pain into power, refusing to sympathize with flawed protagonists to underscore raw, unfiltered human journeys.Chiedza’s advocacy shines brightest in her fearless embrace of vulnerability, openly recounting her 32-week stillbirth and the ensuing depression and PTSD in a culture where pregnancy loss remains deeply taboo, using her blog, podcasts, and platforms to dismantle stigma and foster support networks.
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She champions a “lift her up” ethos over rivalry, urging women to create their own tables when excluded, as echoed in her YALI Voices mantra: “You can be all things—you don’t have to be put in a box.” As Managing Director, NAMA-winning playwright, and community leader, her legacy endures as a testament to holistic success, empowering youth, amplifying silenced voices, and proving that from Gweru’s humble beginnings, one can redefine possibility for generations. Undeterred by these pressures and the dismissal of arts as non-viable careers, she honed her craft in secret, influenced by Western pop culture and South African TV, laying the foundation for a career that would shatter expectations. Pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and later an MBA candidate at Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Chiedza channeled her business acumen into co-founding Charlie Stevens International, a logistics powerhouse offering customs clearance, freight forwarding, shipping, and an overnight courier service rivaling giants like DHL and UPS.
Through her writing and productions, starring talents like Tahle We Dzinza and Gemma Music, she transforms pain into power, refusing to sympathize with flawed protagonists to underscore raw, unfiltered human journeys. Chiedza’s advocacy shines brightest in her fearless embrace of vulnerability, openly recounting her 32-week stillbirth and the ensuing depression and PTSD in a culture where pregnancy loss remains deeply taboo, using her blog, podcasts, and platforms to dismantle stigma and foster support networks.
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