Dr Itai Hlonie Mafa is a self-motivated and critical social worker who is enthusiastic about academia, gender issues, social policing, social justice and sexual and reproductive health rights. She has a proven record in social research and has been consulted for research projects in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Dr Mafa is involved in various research committees in the faculty which has sharpened her research skills. She has also accumulated more than ten years of extensive experience in tertiary institutions as a lecturer for various Social Work courses and carrying out post-graduate research supervision. Dr Itai Hlonie Mafa has a well-developed teaching philosophy and a flexible attitude to work, with excellent communication and written skills. Dr Mafa has participated in curricula development and curricula review in Zimbabwe and South Africa, contributing to quality assurance. She is the current NASW-Z treasurer, a thought leader for ZIMCHE and was also involved in consolidating MBKs.
- PhD in Social Work: University of Fort Hare (2015-2017)
- Master of Social Science Social Work: University of Fort Hare (2013-2014)
- Bachelor of Social Work: University of Fort Hare (2009–2012)
- HEXCO Computer programs: Mutendi High School (2001-2004)
Published articles
Mukurazhizha, R and Mafa, I. (2022). Flaws in preparing children with disabilities for life after Institutional Care in Zimbabwe: Implications for Social Work Practice. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 37
Chisango, T., Mafa I., & Maunganidze, L. (2022). Investigating the sexist implications of Bride Price (Lobola) in Zimbabwe. Society doi:10.1007/s12115-022-00743-7
Chigangaidze, R., Mafa, I., Simango, T and Mudewe, E. (2022). Establishing the relevance of the Ubuntu philosophy in Social work Practice: Inspired by the Ubuntu World Social Work Month 2021 Celebration and the IFSW (2014) global definition of Social work. International Social work:Doi:10.1177/00208728221078374
Chatukuta, A and Mafa, I. (2022). The significance of the clinical social workers’ dress in the helping process: The clients’ perceptions. Practice: Doi:10.1080/09503153.2022.2035706
Simango, T.G and Mafa, I. (2022). Child Disciplinary Practices versus Child Rights in Zimbabwe: Viewed through Social Work Lenses Qualitative Sociological Review 18 (1) 114-131 DOI: https://doi.org/10.18778/1733-8077.18.1.06
Charamba, S., Mafa, I and Chikadzi, V. (2021). ‘In the eye of the storm’: An exploration of the psychosocial experiences of teen mothers in Zimbabwe. Indian Journal of Social Work (82) 12
Mafa, I., Simango, T. and Chisango, T. (2021). Under-Reportage of ‘Sex-For-Marks’ Cases within Public Universities in Zimbabwe. Sexuality, Gender and Policy Doi:10.1002/SGP2.12038
Mafa, I and Simango, T.G. (2021). Exploring the ‘Thigh-For-Marks’ Phenomenon among Public Universities in Zimbabwe. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work https:/doi.org/10.1007/s41134-021-00188-8
Chisango, T., Muridzo, N., Mafa, I and Khombo, S. (2021). An exploration of the stereotype content model to university lectures. Journal of Applied Social Sciences https:/doi.org/10.1177/19367244211026915
Mafa, I. (2021). Pertinent ills concomitant with matrifocality in Zimbabwe: Implications for development. Innovare Journal of Social Sciences, 9 (2):10-15
Muridzo, N, Chikadzi, V., Mahunste S and Mafa, I. (2021). Legal shortcomings in the VFS forums responding to child sexual abuse: Lessons from a Zimbabwean case study. African Journal of Social Work 11(1): 32-39
Mafa, I., Kange’the S. and Chikadzi, V. (2020). ‘Revenge Pornography’ and Women Issues: Implications for Social Work Practice and Women’s Rights. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work, 5 (1) : 118-128 https://doi:10.1007/s41134-020-00118-0
Mahuntshe, L., Muridzo, N., Chikadzi, V and Mafa, I. (2020). Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in Zimbabwe: Lessons from 2018 Cholera outbreak. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 35 (Special Issue): 91-106
Mafa, I and Kange’the, S. (2019).Women-NGOs and Financial Viability: Implications for Women Empowerment Processes from a Social Work Perspective. African Journal of Social Work, 9(2):43-51
Muridzo, N., Chikadzi, V., Mafa, I and Chinyenze, P. (2018). Parental Circumstances leading to Child Sexual Abuse in Zimbabwe. Journal of Social Development in Africa, 33(2):135-168
Mafa, I and Kange’the S.M. (2016). Exploring the Underpinnings of Pseudo-Prostitution in Institutions of Higher Learning in selected African countries. Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 7(3):167-174
Mafa, I & Kange’the S.M. (2016). A critical Analysis of the prostitution phenomenon, drawing examples from selected African countries: A Literature Review. Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 7(4):279-288
Kange’the S.M and Mafa I. (2014). Evaluating the survival strategies adopted by single mothers to enhance their livelihood in Zimbabwe. Mediterranean Journal, 5 (2): 1222-1229
Kange’the S.M and Mafa I. (2014). Dynamics associated with the state of cohabitation in developing countries. A literature Review. Mediterranean Journal, 5(4):601-609
Kange’the S.M and Mafa I. (2014). Assessing Post-Apartheid Poverty in South Africa. A literature Review. Mediterranean Journal, 5(1):449-456
Kange’the S.M and Mafa I. (2014). Dynamics associated with matrifocality in Zimbabwe. Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 5(2):131-139
Published Book Chapter (s)
Mudewe, E., Simango, T., Mafa, I and Chingangaidze, R. (2022). Demystifying the National Case Management System in Child protection. In Professional Social Work in Zimbabwe: Putting Children First. Beyond the Vale Publishing: Edenvale, South Africa
Published Book (s)
Mafa, I. (2020). Identity and Identity Crisis: A Practical Guide to Finding Your True Self. Kindle Direct Publishing
