Stephen Margolis: The Rags-to-Riches Story of a Zimbabwean Business Titan
Stephen Margolis is a living testament to how sheer determination and a never-say-die spirit can turn humble beginnings into a legacy. Born to peasant parents in Murehwa, his journey from walking 20km barefoot to school to building a multi-million-dollar business empire is a powerful story of resilience and vision.
Humble Beginnings
Born on June 23, 1951, in Chivhinge village, Murehwa, young Stephen's childhood was defined by hardship and hard work. He walked 20km barefoot to and from St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Musami Mission for his education. His spare time was spent tilling the land or herding cattle and goats.
In 1967, after completing his schooling, he moved to Harare to find employment and support his family. He took on various odd jobs, from working as a firefighter in the railways to selling insurance policies, all while fueling his insatiable appetite to succeed.
The Rise of a Business Empire
In 1981, Stephen started his own company, Margolis Trading, marking a pivotal turning point. "It was difficult, I did not have capital but I was determined," he recalled. After being turned down by many financiers, a guarantor finally agreed to finance his first consignment of hardware for just $12. That first attempt was a flop, but his backers saw his honesty and continued to support him.
Through hard work and fulfilling his promises, his business grew. He ventured into real estate and manufacturing, eventually constructing the iconic $45 million Margolis Plaza on Speke Avenue. Today, this complex houses 62 companies and stands as a proud testament to his "never-die spirit." His business empire now spans the globe, with partners in China, Germany, Malaysia, and the UK.
Giving Back to the Community
In 1999, his subsidiary, Margolis Medicals, introduced the "Nurse of the Year Award" to boost morale and thank nurses for their crucial role in the nation's health delivery system. The annual award, supported by the Ministry of Health, provides significant cash prizes and has become a prestigious honor in the nursing profession.
Never forgetting where he came from, Stephen has been instrumental in raising funds for Musami Mission Hospital, located near the school he once attended. He successfully secured equipment worth millions of dollars for the institution, ensuring that his community benefits from his success.
Gallery: Stephen Margolis Resort
Stephen Margolis Resort
Stephen Margolis Resort
Stephen Margolis Resort
Stephen Margolis Resort
Stephen Margolis Resort
Stephen Margolis Resort
Stephen Margolis Resort
Stephen Margolis Resort
Stephen Margolis Resort
Frequently Asked Questions
Stephen Margolis is a prominent Zimbabwean businessman and philanthropist who rose from a poor, rural background in Murehwa to build a multi-million-dollar business empire, including the well-known Margolis Plaza in Harare.
Margolis Plaza is a large commercial complex on Speke Avenue in Harare, built by Stephen Margolis. It features 10 shops, three floors of office space, and houses over 60 companies.
It is an award founded by Margolis Medicals in 1999 to recognize and reward outstanding nurses in Zimbabwe for their dedication and hard work. It is a prestigious honor in the country's healthcare sector.
His advice is to be honest, hardworking, and to fulfill promises. He also cautions new business people "not to bite more than what they can chew."
David (Sales)