Mai Chisamba
Mai Chisamba, is a Zimbabwean businesswoman and talk show host.
Early life
Chisamba was born in Bindura, Zimbabwe, in a family of seven. She attended Bindura Salvation Army Primary School before attending Usher Girls High in Matabeleland. Chisamba received teacher training at Howard Institute.Career
Dr Rebecca Chisamba who is dubbed “The Queen of Talk” has helped scale local languages and Zimbabwean heritage to international heights. With more than 50 awards under her belt, among them the prestigious Honour of the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe 2023, awarded to her by The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe His Excellency, Dr ED Mnangagwa. She has also won the Communicator of the year award. She has a trailblazing career that spans decades in various sectors. From education, television, radio, print media and entrepreneurship. An accomplished veteran broadcaster and a distinguished Dr of philanthropy who champions local causes. She is most known for executive producing and hosting Mai Chisamba Show, which tackles an array of socio-economic issues, advocates gender equality and upholds local languages and Zimbabwe's progressive cultural values. In 2025 she was inducted into the National Excellence Hall of Fame as a media and broadcasting legend. This accolade celebrated her seismic influence and impact in storytelling in the media and broadcasting sphere.Personal life
Rebecca is married and has 5 children and several grandchildren. One of her daughters, Gamuchirai Chisamba works on the Mai Chisamba show as a Graphic Designer.1. Honour of the Order of the Star of Zimbabwe Silver 2023
2. Communicator of the Year Award 2003
3. Overall Defender of Human Rights Awards Zimbabwe Human Rights Association
4. Outstanding woman in the use of Mass Media for gender Equality Award Professional Women Executives and omen in Business
5. Best Television Presenter Award National Journalistic and Media Awards
6. Outstanding woman in Enterprise Award - Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with WABAZ
7. Media Professional Woman of the year 2015 - Zimbabwe International Women's Awards
8. Top Outstanding Woman in Peace and community development in Zimbabwe Women's Heritage Society Organisation.
9. Recognized as one of the gender champions by UN Women in conjunction with Msasa Project
10. Popular Television Show 2023
11. Honorary Master of the Arts Degree - Women's University in Africa
12. Honorary Doctorate International Institute of Philanthropy
13. Top Outstanding woman in broadcast Media and Television in Zimbabwe - Women's Heritage Society Organisation
14. Television Personality of the year award Zimbabwe Business Awards
15. Best Television - Anointed Business Woman
16. Best Presenter of the Year - National Journalistic and Media Awards
17. African Women's Living Legends Awards by African Women Association Award
18. Zimbabwe Achievers Award - Chairman's Special Recognition Award 2025 - ZAA Global Fellow
19. National Excellence Hall of Fame 2025 Awards
20.The Women's Lifetime Achievement Award - Women's CEO Awards
21.The Women's CEO of the Decade Special Tribute Award - Women's CEO Awards
22. National Business Awards 2024 - Business Leader for Insight and Coaching
23. Outstanding Contributor Award 2023 - ZAFTAs
24. Icon in Entertainment of the year, Special Recognition in Talk Shows - Iconic African Women's Awards 2018
25. Top Outstanding woman in peace and community development in Zimbabwe 2016
26. One of the fifty individuals who have contributed in the success of Zimbabwe recognition in the book
27. Media Professional woman of the year 2015 - Zimbabwe International Women's Association
28. Victors Superwoman Award 2012 - Advice and Mentoring
29.Victor's Award for Outstanding Woman in Zimbabwe and Longstanding Talkshow Host - Victors Incorporation Awards
30. Fifty Zimbabwen personalitues portraits of Zimbabwe - Zimbabwe National Art Gallery
31. Outstanding female Television personality award 2013 - Jacaranda Young Women's Festival
32. Shield Award for being the most Inspiring woman Mabelreign Girls High School in commemoration of International Women's Day.
33. Freedom of the School - David Livingstone Primary School
34. Outstanding Talk Show Host - Iconic African Women Awards
35. Philanthropist of the year Award
36. Ambassador of Happiness Award - NSSA
37. Public Relations and Communications Excellence Special Awards - Positive Impact Award
38.Best Premier Talk Show Host - Women of Excellence Awards by
39. Special Recognition in Media and Television Broadcasting Leadership Excellence Zimbabwe - National Women's Awards 2018
40. Special Award in Public Relations and Communications Excellence - Institute of Public Relations and Communication Zimbabwe
41. Excellence Award - Women excelling in their various sectors - The Business Connect
42. Great Education Influencer Award - SunEagles Junior School
43. Appreciation of Hard Work Contribution to the Culture and Heritage of Zimbabwe - Massey's Living Legends
44. Appreciation of Hard Work Contribution to the Culture and Heritage of Zimbabwe - Massey's Living Legends
45. Support and Dedication Award - Aids Health Foundation Zimbabwe
46. Women in Enterprise Conference Awards - ZNCC
47. Women's Outstanding Achievements Awards 2024 - Entrepreneurial Achievements and Outstanding Contributions
48. Rukanda Pride and Lotus Blossom - Women of Excellence Award
49. Certificate of Appreciation - Par's in Air Conditioning
50. Duramazwi Guru ReChishona, Acknowledgement for the good use of Shona language - Dr Chimhundu
51. Zimpapers Award - Good use of Language