Shasha Tobacco launched its afforestation program during a vibrant event held at Bakwa Secondary School in Hurungwe on December 4th. The occasion brought together a diverse group of participants, including tobacco farmers, students, business community members, and various tobacco sector stakeholders. The event saw strong support from various partners and service providers associated with Shasha Tobacco, such as Econet Insurance, Ecosure, Ecocash, FBC, CBZ Risk, Omnia, TSA, and Nyaradzo. Additionally, representatives from quasi-government entities, including the Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) and the Forestry Commission, were also present to lend their support.
The event was characterized by a series of festivities that showcased the unique community spirit prevalent in the Bakwa area, particularly associated with Shasha Tobacco. The proceedings commenced with a devotional prayer, followed by the singing of the national anthem and the formal acknowledgement of the traditional leader, Chief Kazangarare. Mr. Mutekairi, the headmaster of Bakwa Secondary School, delivered the welcome address. Subsequently, Kudzaishe Gurajena, a Regional Supervisor, introduced the guest of honour, Augustine Ajento, the Operations Director of Shasha Tobacco, along with the staff members who were in attendance.
Following the introductions, a representative from Shasha Tobacco’s sustainability office took the stage to outline the office’s responsibilities, which included tree-planting initiatives. He then handed over to Miss Manyere, a representative from the Forestry Commission, who guided the guests through the tree-planting process. Together, they planted both exotic fruit trees and indigenous shade trees. Each attending organization had the chance to participate in this meaningful activity, beginning with Augustine Ajento, Shasha Tobacco’s Operations Director, who planted a tree on behalf of his company and named it as part of the ceremony.
Different stakeholders planting trees at Shasha Tobacco’s tree planting event
Following the tree planting initiative, various organizations present at the event delivered informative presentations to the assembled audience. Each organization took the opportunity to discuss its operations, engage with attendees, and provide promotional items as part of its outreach efforts. Departments from Shasha Tobacco also participated, with Tichafara Makwanya from the leaf department presenting an interactive session that allowed smokers to sample Shasha Tobacco’s cigarette blends.
Interspersed between the presentations, attendees were entertained by a range of performances, primarily from students. A student from Bakwa Secondary School, performing under the stage name Kachule, delivered an impressive musical performance that garnered enthusiastic support and financial contributions from the audience. Additionally, students from Kachiva Secondary School captivated the audience with various poetry recitals centred on themes related to trees. In recognition of their contributions, all students who provided entertainment were awarded scholarships for the 2025 academic year, sponsored by Shasha Tobacco, much to the delight of the audience.
The keynote address was presented by Augustine Ajento, Operations Director of Shasha Tobacco. In his speech, he urged tobacco farmers to prioritize sustainability within their practices. Mr. Ajento elaborated on Shasha Tobacco’s initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and sustainability. He highlighted the company’s commitment to reducing deforestation through its afforestation program. In conclusion, he encouraged the beneficiaries of this program to take their responsibilities seriously and to set a commendable example for their peers.
After wrapping up his keynote address, Mr. Ajento took the stage for a prize-giving ceremony alongside officials from Econet to honour the top-performing tobacco growers from the Karoi floor for the 2023-24 season. Three awards, generously sponsored by Econet Insurance, were up for grabs: the Silver award, carrying a cash prize of $500; the Gold award, worth $1,000; and the prestigious Platinum award, which came with a cash prize of $2,100. Tinoenda Zenda proudly claimed the Silver award, Tapiwa Nyanyi received the Gold award, and Israel Matirira walked away with the highly sought-after Platinum award.
The guest of honour presided over the launch of an important afforestation program, which featured two related initiatives running in tandem. The first initiative targeted Shasha Tobacco’s contracted growers and aimed to establish sustainable woodlots for them. During the launch, selected growers were invited to receive gum tree seedlings directly from the guest of honour. The second initiative focused on collaborating with local schools to create tree plantations as part of efforts to combat climate change. In connection with this school-based program, a plantation of gum trees was established at Bakwa Secondary School, where over 500 trees were planted. Additionally, neighbouring schools were provided with gum tree seedlings to support the initiative.
Shasha Tobacco’s Operations Director (right) handing over gumtree seedlings to launch the afforestation progra
The event culminated in a soccer match featuring Shasha Tobacco and Bakwa Secondary School. The school team donned a new soccer kit, which was generously provided by Shasha Tobacco. Although the Shasha Tobacco team demonstrated commendable performance throughout the match, they ultimately suffered a defeat, concluding the game with a loss by two goals.
Shasha Tobacco’s Operations Director (right) handing over a new soccer kit to Bakwa Secondary School headmaster Mr. Mutekairi (left)
