Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Senior Lifestyle Writer
Body shaming can be a nightmare at times.
It requires a collective effort to promote body positivity and acceptance, fostering environments where all individuals feel valued and respected, regardless of their appearance.
Studies have shown that body shaming can have negative effects on individuals, impacting both mental and physical health.
The constant criticism of one’s appearance, which is common in most societies, can erode self-confidence.
If not addressed early, young people — who are particularly vulnerable — can carry the scars of body shaming into adulthood, affecting their overall quality of life.
However, burly actor and content creator Charles Munyongani Mapfumo has defied the odds and managed to embrace his condition.
A beloved figure on social media as Charle Dhafu, he has been living his life to the fullest despite facing body shaming.
His journey as a content creator has been realised thanks to actress Patience “Mai Jilimba” Musafare, who encouraged him to focus on his career.
She has become his pillar, mother figure, and mentor in his creative journey. Better known as Charle Dhafu due to his large frame, the 41-year-old told The Herald on Saturday Lifestyle that he used to be a victim of body shaming.
He claims he grew up as a chubby boy and never bothered to lose weight.
“Growing up, I was that boy who was fat and chubby, which earned me several nicknames like Dhafu,” he recalled.
“Many people would poke fun at me, and some still do to this day, although I have moved on.
“Currently, some call me Chivayo because of the striking similarities I have with that prominent businessman (Wicknell Chivayo), although I consider myself a poor version of him. At first, I would get angry, but now I have embraced these nicknames and become a content creator.”
He noted that he used to dislike his condition until after high school when he realised it was by God’s design.
“For the greater part of my life, I did not like the way I looked until I realised that my genes were hereditary. In our family, we are all large, but I think I can outdo them,” chuckled the comedian.
Despite his condition, he also revealed that he is a foodie who loves munching on anything edible.
“To be honest, I love my food because of my big frame. I have realised that there is no need for me to starve myself; I would rather eat and nourish the body that works.
“I can’t specify the quality of food that I consume, but just know that I can eat, and I make sure to leave my plate clean after meals,” he shared.
With many obese people desperate to lose weight through exercise, Charle Dhafu noted that he is not a fitness and weight-loss fanatic.
“I don’t want to lie to you, my brother; I don’t exercise at all. On a few occasions, I might take a walk, just strolling around the community, but I hardly exercise. I am just proud of who I am because I know God has a special reason for all this,” he stated.
Charle Dhafu, who works as a traffic marshal at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, revealed that his peers at work have embraced him as he is.
“I get along well with everyone, and I don’t have a problem when they call me Charle Dhafu because it’s a true portrayal of who I am.”
Despite being trolled on social media and provoked on the streets, the affable actor praised Mai Jilimba for changing his life.
“It was Mai Jilimba who convinced me to ignore these people and focus on more important things, one of which is content creation.
“We are always together, and some now claim I am Mai Jilimba’s real son because of the connection we have made. When you click in this profession, you can easily be mistaken for close relatives when you are not, as is the case with me and Mai Jilimba,” he shared.
He also credited Mai Jilimba for helping him embrace technology as a content creator.
“For your information, it was Mai Jilimba who has been encouraging me to work hard, as she knows my background as an actor. I have featured in several television dramas, including ‘Maimboidei,’ ‘Mawoko Matema,’ ‘Barika Ranyamuziwa,’ ‘Muga Renyama Imheremhere,’ and ‘Zvobhodho,’ among others. Mai Jilimba and Aaron Chiundura Moyo have directed many of these works that I have today. By venturing into skits, we are simply looking for relevance, and that’s why I am always with Mai Jilimba.”
The father of two girls — aged 15 and 10 — narrated how his passion for acting started.
“I can safely say it started when I was in Chinhoyi, where I completed both my primary and secondary education before moving to Harare in search of employment. With my big frame at school, it meant that I was not fit for sports and ended up participating in music in the school choir.
“I later ventured into acting when I came to Harare, and I think it was the right choice because there is a lot of potential for us to make money,” he noted.
A devout Catholic, Charle Dhafu told this publication that he spends much of his time in church when he is not on set.
“The church is my favourite place when I am not acting or at work, and that is where I met Mai Jilimba. We simply clicked and have been close ever since.
“She is a wonderful lady who has made me realise my potential and transformed my experience from being labelled a fat boy on the streets to becoming a household name. I no longer care about those who have been mocking me, and I am also proud of my wife, Nomatter Madzingeni, who has been there for me over the years,” he added.
His only wish is to be able to take his family out, but he is limited by his busy schedule and financial constraints.
“It’s every dad’s wish to spoil his family, but some of us are always broke and busy hustling for our families, which has made this life difficult. The only time I go out is when we finish shooting, and Mai Jilimba is the one who initiates those outings.”
Regarding his newfound fame, Charle Dhafu believes God has blessed him as a content creator, stating, “There are people I last spoke to when I was still in high school, but now they are my best friends.
“There are some who used to mock me, but now they are my number one followers. However, I always wear a hoodie when moving around in public because I am tired of being called Chivayo with no cash.”
His mentor and pillar, Mai Jilimba, also spoke highly of him. “I consider him my son because we have come a long way together,” noted Mai Jilimba.
“I do most of my work with him, and I have been grooming him for years. He is just a sweet soul — a hardworking, creative, and talented actor. Our combination is a match made in heaven.”
With content creation being the trend, Mai Jilimba has been encouraging her mentees to avoid explicit content, which Charle Dhafu has embraced.
In Charle Dhafu’s fairy tale, it’s a matter of turning mockery into money. Unlike others who succumb to feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and anxiety disorders, Charle Dhafu is a rare soul who lives his life to the fullest.
He remains proud of his frame and everything he has attained.
