The 'Mistake' That Created a Legacy: Dr. Matsika & The Megafest Story
Founder: Dr. Tafadzwa Matsika | Entity: Megafest Holdings | Established: 2008
For over a decade, the Megafest Business Awards have been a prominent fixture on Zimbabwe's corporate calendar. Unique in their approach, these awards dig deeper than the boardroom, honoring excellence from CEOs to shop-floor secretaries. But few know that this national institution began as an academic "mistake" in 2008.
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| Dr. Matsika and The Megafest Story |
An Academic Accidental Birth
How a refusal to study South African leadership led to Zimbabwe's premier business awards.
"It came as a mistake," recalls Dr. Matsika. In 2008, while pursuing his PhD with KwaZulu-Natal University, his supervisor rejected his proposal to study leadership in South Africa. He was challenged to find leadership in his own backyard—Zimbabwe.
Uncomfortable with studying political leadership, Matsika turned to business. Despite the economic hardships of 2008, he discovered unsung heroes keeping commerce alive. The late Dr. Eric Bloch, a renowned economist, advised him to create an incentive to recognize these individuals—and thus, Megafest was born.
Repositioning Bulawayo
"This City Is Not Dead"
The awards started with a mission: to remind the nation that Bulawayo was still alive and kicking. Dr. Matsika wanted to honor those who didn't necessarily thrive on publicity but were doing great things in their companies.
"In the first five years, the responses used for the awards were actually data for my PhD studies," he reveals.
From Local to National
What started in Bulawayo has spread its wings across the country.
REGIONAL AWARDS
The Foundation
Eastern, Masvingo, Midlands, Northern, and Southern Regions all hold preliminary awards.
NATIONAL FINALE
The Main Event
Regional winners compete for the ultimate prize every March. Adjudicated by chairpersons.
Dr. Tafadzwa Matsika: The Social Entrepreneur
"I am not intelligent, but I am sharp," he says with humility. Dr. Matsika believes in surrounding himself with high achievers and learning from criticism. He views himself as the "dullest" in his team, relying on the brilliance of those around him.
Born in Harare in 1980, he moved to Bulawayo in 1990. A Solusi University graduate (Marketing, 2003), he became a branch manager at PG Industries at just 23. He later found success at Africom, earning the nickname "Manyathela" for his team's performance.
Dr. Matsika plans to retire early at 45 to pursue other passions, including cattle fattening and teaching. He is confident that Megafest will continue to thrive under the capable team he has built.
Married to Mercy and blessed with three children, Dr. Matsika enjoys gardening and golf in his spare time. But above all, he values being present for his growing children.
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