As we commemorate the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, 263Chat will profile 16 most influential women in Zimbabwe. The focus will be on their achievements and the contribution they have or are making to uplift society and the country at large.
Mai Chisamba
Full name, Rebecca Chisamba, mai Chisamba is the creator and host on the TV talk show, Mai Chisamba show screened on the local television channel ZTV every Sunday of the week.
She is known mostly for her creative Shona vernacular language in addressing her television and studio audience during her now famous Mai Chisamba show. The talk show runs in Shona and in an Oprah Winfrey style tackles topical issues of the day that affects the modern Zimbabwean society.
Background
Mai Chisamba was born Rebecca Tsikirayi in Bindura on 21 October 1952 to a family of seven.
Career
She started her education at Bindura Salvation Army Primary School and did her secondary education at Usher Girls High in Matebeleland. She trained as a teacher at Harvard Institute.
During her time in education, Mai Chisamba did some radio teaching under the Ministry of education, sports and culture. She taught for 15 years before going full time into broadcasting.
She became radio presenter for numerous programmes at ZBC and introduced the Mai Chisamba Show. Later, the show went independent after establishing Chisamba Productions and Media Consultancy.
She graduated with an Honorary Master of Arts Degree with Women’s University in Africa in 2010.
Awards
Outstanding Woman in the use of Mass Media for Gender Equality Award in 2012 by Professional Women Executives and Women in Business (PROWEB).
Victor’s Awards for Outstanding Woman in Zimbabwe and longstanding talk show host at the Victors Incorporation 2011 Award and Communicator of the Year Award in 2003.
