Frank’s Story
Meet Dr. Frank “Dr Mags” Magwegwe
Frank is an applied behavioural scientist, educator and keynote speaker with a passion for helping people build resilience, purpose and overall wellbeing.
Whether in a lecture hall, on stage, or behind a microphone, he brings a rare mix of academic insight and lived experience that makes his work both practical and deeply human.
“Don’t just live,” Frank often says. “Thrive.”
And when he says it, it carries weight.
In 1992, Frank hit rock bottom – homeless, broke, and recently fired as a barman from the Kirkwood Hotel (an early setback that shaped his journey). Within a few short years, he turned his life around: first selling fruit and vegetables in downtown Johannesburg, then building a career in financial services, and eventually becoming a Harvard Business School graduate and award-winning financial wellness expert. Today, he’s a respected scholar with a doctorate in personal financial planning from Kansas State University, where his research focused on financial strain and retirement readiness.
Frank’s insights and story have been featured across television, radio, and print, including SABC Morning Live, eNCA, CNBC Africa, 702, CapeTalk, SAFM, PowerFM, KayaFM, City Press, Personal Finance, and Today’s Trustee.
From the streets of Johannesburg to esteemed academic halls, Frank’s journey is one of resilience, resourcefulness and determination.
His story shows that with courage and purpose, it’s possible to face adversity and create lasting change – for yourself and for others.
Unemployed, broke and homeless
Fruit and vegetable vendor
Fruit and vegetable business
Founded Foremost Futures (Pty) Ltd
AMP (Harvard Business School)
Founded Frankly Speaking (Pty) Ltd and Thrive Financial Wellness (Pty) Ltd
Regular media appearances
Ph.D. (Kansas State University, USA)
Senior Lecturer: Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria
Non-Executive Chairperson: Mazi Holdings and Mazi Asset Management
