Interview with a Beacon of Leadership Empowerment and Transformation [Mercy Matsika]
Interview by: Elliot Ziwira (Herald News)
Born on March 2, 1984, in Zvishavane, the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe, Mercy Matsika’s life has been a remarkable tale of overcoming adversity and achieving success through resilience, perseverance, and calm disposition.
Having been orphaned at a young age, Mercy’s journey was never a smooth glide on ice as she had to parry brickbats at every turn. However, her maternal uncle, Goodsen Mhora, became her knight in shining armour when he adopted her, providing stability and support.This experience instilled in her the values of flexibility, determination, and gratitude, even when the chips are down.
From her humble beginnings to co-founding Megafest Holdings with her business partner, and establishing her niche in marketing communication and business leadership, she has remained rooted in her values and vision. From the onset, Mercy’s vision was crystal clear: empower entrepreneurs, foster leadership, and bridge the gap between innovation and success. With steadfast determination forged in the furnaces of entrepreneurship spanning years, she steered the company toward unprecedented growth.
Listed among the 40 under 40 Most Influential Young Business Leaders in Zimbabwe, Mercy’s work has gained international recognition—inspiring a generation of entrepreneurs and change-makers in Africa and beyond. Yet, the business leadership guru’s initial dream wasn’t stirred by the boardroom and its executive appeal. Rather, she was so enchanted by the sound of the signature drum heralding the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s 8pm main news slot on television that she dreamt of a career in journalism.
Despite locking horns with the devil countless times, Mercy speaks of her voyage through life now—the ominous rivers—the stumbles and falls—with such warmth that soothes the heart.
In her usual calm and reflective way, she recently took The Herald into her confidence.
EARLY LIFE AND CAREER
The firstborn to Amato Sibanda and Margaret Mhora, Mercy grew up in a family of six siblings, five females and one male, in the mining town of Zvishavane where her father, a civil servant, worked.
Her early life was marked by a strong sense of community. She reflects on how her parents would take them to their rural home in Mapanzure during school and public holidays. Her father, who instilled in her the essence of hard work, would insist that she worked the land along with others.
“Growing up, I never really liked the gap between my teeth (diastema), because other children would ridicule me, which diminished my self-confidence,” she recalls. “I, however, embraced it in secondary school, and can now proudly wear a smile.” Sadly, Mercy’s parents passed on when they were little, leaving them vulnerable. She was only eight when her mum died, and 13 when her dad joined her in the afterlife.
While her siblings were taken in by willing relatives, she found herself under the wing of her maternal uncle, Goodsen, in Bulawayo. Thus, a foundation for a brighter future was laid. “I learnt gratitude, and in my case, appreciation for my uncle and his family’s support,” she says. “Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can transform our outlook on life.”
Hinging on the abundant financial, familial, and emotional support, Mercy took aim at the stars.
She commenced primary school in 1990 at Gresham in Zvishavane, where she did Grade One to Grade Four, before transferring to Mkoba Primary School, Gweru. She did her secondary education at Bulawayo Adventist High School.
Mercy later pursued tertiary studies with the Zimbabwe Open University and University of South Africa, specialising in Business Management and Accounting. She narrates how her deputy headmaster at Bulawayo Adventist High School, Mr Moyo—a no-nonsense man—inculcated in her a sense of responsibility, strong work ethic, and commitment. “In one of his unannounced rounds, when I was in Form Two, he caught me off-guard, for I wasn’t reading. I had to feign it, though,” she reminisces, laughing. “So, I instinctively grabbed a book and read it whichever way I could. Gosh! It was upside down. And, boy, didn’t I get a good whacking!”
Mercy underscores that beyond discipline, Mr Moyo cultivated elasticity in her, teaching her the quintessence of bouncing back from setbacks, no matter how grave they may appear.
It was in her formative years in Bulawayo that the idea to become a newsreader crossed her mind, and became some kind of obsession.
“The news time drum had such a huge impact on me that I would hastily do the dishes, so I wouldn’t miss the evening news,” she reveals, glowingly. “The sleek studio, the crisp lines of the teleprompter, and the way the poised and articulate news anchors seemed to effortlessly engage with viewers created an allure that I found irresistible.”
She envisioned herself in an elegant suit, sitting behind a polished desk, and self-assuredly reading news stories, and sharing insightful commentary. “There was something incredibly compelling about their ability to convey information with clarity and confidence while connecting with the audience on a personal level, which consumed my soul,” she recalls.
Mercy’s innocent mind was taken aback by the way her heroines on the small screen, such as Abigail Mvududu and Jestina Mukoko, impactfully tackled global events, and “bring warmth and empathy to human-interest stories”.
“It sparked a desire in me to be a part of that world—to inform, to inspire, and to keep people connected to the events shaping their lives,” she ruminates. She visualised herself as the discerning informative voice influencing opinion and citizenry discourse. The delight of news gathering, interviewing sources, and weaving narratives fired her ambition.
As the seed grew into a blossoming flower, through reading, particularly of periodicals, like Soul Magazine, Mercy’s future path was shaped. Notwithstanding the many twists in her journey, her fascination with news and “the power of communication” inspired the establishment of Megafest Business Magazine.
She got married at 20, and the couple was blessed with four children—two sons, aged 18 and 14, and two daughters, aged 16, and the other one died at birth in 2018.
Her professional voyage began as an administrator at an insurance broker in Bulawayo, where she developed valuable skills in administration and accounting. She discovered her passions for working with figures, counselling, leadership development, empowering women, and talent development.
Today, she mentors young executives, university students, and aspiring leaders, paying forward the support she received from her uncle and family. She has discovered the importance of motivation, willpower, and appreciation, inspiring others to overcome adversity and achieve their goals.
“In moments of self-doubt or challenge, Uncle Goodsen’s words of encouragement often replay in my mind,” she affirms. A selfless man, he emphasised the importance of thoughtful decision making, thus offering her a priceless cautionary guide, which shaped her life and introspection.
When she was 20, he told her: “Mercy, remember this; it always takes only one erroneous decision to mess up all you have built. That wrong decision can destroy a lot in your life, so don’t be in haste to make important decisions.”
Nurtured to overstep obstacles with the sure-footedness of a geisha, Mercy’s determination to engrave her own success story on the proverbial tablet of stone grew. Her entrepreneurial spirit flickered during the time she was pursuing university studies in Bulawayo.
Her first job as an administrator honed her administrative and accounting skills. However, it was her passion for counselling and leadership development that led her to pursue a career in therapy.
“I am a good listener, so I give an ear to those who would want to pour their hearts out,” she says with a giggle.
THE BIRTH OF MEGAFEST HOLDINGS
Megafest Holdings, a multifaceted organisation, is headquartered in Bulawayo. The company, which she co-founded, comprises of Megafest Business Magazine and Megafest Business Awards. “The concept was born and initiated in 2008 as just a corporate training company, which later on birthed all the other subsidiaries,” Mercy reveals.
Initially started as a family concern, Megafest Holdings began flourishing in 2010, following two years of false starts. When her business partner left to pursue other ventures, Mercy, who was the Chief Financial Director, took over as the Chief Executive Officer in 2021. In 2022, Motivate Professional Business Training, Motivate CEO’s Forum, and Motivate Women’s Forum was formed.
The company has 20 staff members and an Advisory Board, comprising imminent Zimbabweans. Mercy attributes her evergreen entrepreneurial spirit to a combination of chance, foresight and Providence.
“Initially, I believed chance played a significant role. Unexpected opportunities often presented themselves, pushing me to explore ideas I hadn’t considered before,” she intimates.
“Whether it was a chance meeting with a mentor or stumbling upon a unique problem needing solving; those moments ignited my curiosity and drive to create.”
However, she believes that through foresight, she learnt to recognise patterns and trends in the marketplace, enabling her to anticipate needs and adapt accordingly.
On Providence, she highlights that there were moments when everything perfectly aligned with her passion, skills, and opportunities—converging in ways that could only be preordained. “These experiences reaffirmed my belief that sometimes, we are guided by forces beyond our control, pushing us toward our purpose. It’s a fascinating blend of serendipitous moments, strategic vision, and a sense of being led toward my entrepreneurial path that has fueled my spirit,” she insists.
EMPOWERING WOMEN
The Motivate Women’s Forum is particularly close to Mercy’s heart. She recognised the challenges women face on Zimbabwe’s business landscape, and created a platform to provide networking opportunities, mentorship, access to funding, and training, while advocating for policy changes.
She envisages a world where policies, especially concerning the labour market and workplace, promote equity in remuneration, provide flexibility, enhance anti-discriminatory approaches, and protect women from sexual harassment. Also, Mercy envisions a universe in which women are united, leveraging their collective strength in support of each other’s aspirations.
“In this world, women would have equal opportunities and a network of support to thrive in every aspect of life—empowering each other through education, mentorship and resource sharing,” she reflects.
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
Mercy’s leadership style is characterised by empathy, active listening, adaptability, encouragement, and a holistic approach. Her experience as a therapist has taught her the importance of understanding human behaviour and fostering a supportive environment, ultimately leading to productive outcomes.
Her driving principle has been: “At the end of the day, either you have results or you have reasons. Choose your spot”. She recalls how she once swiftly steadied the boat against a devastating financial storm threatening her organisation’s survival through adaptability and teamwork. “This collaborative approach not only fostered a sense of ownership among team members, but also highlighted the importance of transparency and communication during challenging times,” Mercy avers. She has since evolved to incorporate agility and shared success, encouraging innovative approaches to problem-solving. “We placed a greater emphasis on mentoring and developing emerging leaders within the organisation, understanding that their legacy will be defined not only by results, but also by the growth and development of those around them,” she emphasises.
Hence, strategically riding the tide in a “pivotal crisis moment” ultimately became a keystone to her leadership approach.
RECOGNITION AND FUTURE PLANS
Mercy’s tireless efforts earned her numerous accolades. Listed among 2023’s 40 under 40 Most Influential Young Business Leaders in Zimbabwe, Mercy’s work has gained international recognition. Her future plans include expanding Megafest Holdings’ services, exploring new international markets, promoting innovation, and deepening its impact.
PERSONAL MOTIVATIONS
Mercy’s passion for leadership development and empowerment stems from her belief in transforming individuals and communities. She balances her professional and personal life through self-care, family time, and serving in her church. As part of her social responsibility, she offers grooming, etiquette and life coaching at Government schools, helping learners to navigate both personal and professional spaces. “I feel motivated to instill a sense of self-awareness and confidence in their young minds; encouraging them to develop a positive self-image and cultivate personal grooming habits that contribute to their overall well-being,” she highlights. Stressing that she isn’t “superhuman”, she pays tribute to her “amazing” Executive Assistant, Vuyo, for keeping her “sane”. “Like everyone else, I get overwhelmed. I start work at 7am and finish at 7pm or beyond depending on deadlines,” Mercy says.
EMPOWERING LIVES, TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES, ONE ENTREPRENEUR AT A TIME
An embodiment of humility, collective prosperity, and vision, Mercy foresees leaving a legacy of transformative leadership and empowerment. She hopes to be remembered for creating platforms that uplift others and contribute to the growth and success of individuals and communities.
She draws inspiration from the timeless quote: “Empowering others is the greatest legacy we can leave behind. Let us build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Her larger-than-life story demonstrates the power of resilience, determination, and calm leadership. Her commitment to empowering leaders and transforming lives continues to inspire and motivate others to strive for excellence. She has, indeed, set the bar insurmountably higher.
Under her guidance, Megafest Holdings blossomed into a leading marketing communication firm, nurturing startups and established businesses alike. Motivate Women’s Forum (MWF), Motivate Professional Business Training, and Motivate CEO’s Forum—have become hubs for knowledge sharing, networking, and mentorship. Motivate Women’s Forum, in particular, personifies hope for female entrepreneurs. With her knack for turning whatever she touches to gold, the forum’s impact was profound.
To date, she has mentored over 800 women from different backgrounds in business, most of whom are reporting significant growth. Furthermore, partnerships with international organisations expanded market access for African women-owned businesses.
INSPIRING SUCCESS STORIES
Mercy understands the power of kindling each other’s candle to keep metaphorical darkness at bay. She believes that success is contagious, hence she selflessly shares her flame with others. One such success story was a 25-year-old woman, who had just joined a marketing firm as a junior executive.
“Despite her potential, she struggled with self-doubt, lack of confidence, and uncertainty about her career path,” Mercy reveals. Through mentoring, she discovered her passion for digital marketing, leading to a high-profile campaign, and eventually boosting her confidence. Having also mentored her junior colleagues, within 18 months, the young woman was promoted to senior executive, and became a respected team leader in digital marketing. This story illustrates the power of mentorship in unlocking potential.
MEGAFEST HOLDINGS’ RIPPLE EFFECT
With its diverse portfolio, Megafest Holdings offers a comprehensive suite of services, including awards, publishing, events, and training, providing a one-stop-shop for businesses.
Focusing on business excellence, the Megafest Business Awards recognise and celebrate business achievements. Through collaborations, strategic partnerships, and thought leadership conferences, the company’s influence extends beyond its immediate community.
PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
Mercy picks Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In”, as one the most inspirational books she has read for its valuable insights into leadership and women in the workplace, affirming that it resonates with her experiences and goals. If given an opportunity for dinner, Michelle Obama would be her ideal selection. She believes that as the first African American first lady of the United States, she “paved the way for future generations.”
Michelle Obama’s candour, humility, warmth, and contributions to education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment enthuse her. “My dinner conversation with her would be on insights on effective leadership, overcoming obstacles, and empowering others,” she says. “I would share ideas with her on the importance of accessible education and her ‘Reach Higher’ initiative, women’s empowerment with strategies for promoting equality, challenging systemic barriers, and supporting female voices.”
Her personal growth, and how she maintains self-care, balance, and joy in the public glare, would be interesting talking points for Mercy. “Oops, I would get a picture with her for memories to share with my children and future grandchildren,” she beams. As she reflects on her journey, she glows with pride.
“Seeing people achieve their dreams is my greatest reward,” she says. “I’m humbled by the trust placed in me and Megafest Holdings. We’ll continue to empower, inspire, and transform lives.” With Mercy at the helm, Megafest Holdings remains committed to its mission: “Unlocking potential, nurturing growth, and shaping the future of Zimbabwean and African entrepreneurship.” To her, empowering others is not just a mission; it is a passion steeped in the faith that African entrepreneurs have the potential to transform their continent.
