Trailblazer, defies odds, creates niche in tobacco industry

Elliot Ziwira-Deputy Features Editor

EMPOWERED by her faith and work ethic since her formative years at Monte Cassino Girls High School in Mashonaland East, Blessing Tafadzwa Shumba-Hove has defied the odds and carved out a niche for herself in the traditionally male-dominated tobacco industry.

As the head of trade at BAT Zimbabwe, she has shattered proverbial glass ceilings, paving the way for other women to follow in her footsteps.

With a career marked by perseverance and strategic vision, her star shines even brighter, illuminating a path for others, and leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Remaining true to her values and vision, Blessing, affectionately known as Bule or Madam Bee, believes that every situation, being unique in its own way, requires a different paintbrush.

Whether dealing with complex business negotiations or mentoring her team, her flexible approach allows her to tailor her strategy to each unique situation, much like an artist selecting the perfect brush to bring his vision to life.

This adaptability has been key to her success in the industry, where she has built a reputation as a thoughtful and effective leader.

Though her story reads like a fairytale in which all glides are smooth, her path wasn’t always clear. While her current role in tobacco may seem like a perfect fit, Blessing’s true passion lies in marketing, which she believes is her calling.

It’s this drive that has guided her career choices and helped her excel in her role, even when obstacles lay ahead. Through her experiences, she has come to realise that her skills and interests can be applied to various industries, but marketing remains the thread that weaves her professional journey together puff after puff.

Well, it is the nature of great stories to unhook themselves and go ahead of the storyteller, no matter how seasoned. As the handle on the story remains loose, and the lid refuses to close, we should, somehow, start from the beginning.

It is mid morning on a recent Wednesday as the sun throws its arsenal onto the magnificent building along Manchester Road in the Southerton industrial area of Harare, which shelters BAT Zimbabwe. 

As the sun casts its warm glow through the windows of BAT Zimbabwe’s affluent boardroom, which embodies the firm’s success and prestige, the room is bathed in a comfortable, professional light.

The air conditioning hums softly in the background, maintaining a pleasant temperature that invites relaxation and focus.

The polished desk, made of rich wood, gleams in the morning light, reflecting the sophistication and elegance of the room. The cosy high-backed chairs, upholstered in a luxurious leather, are arranged around the desk, beautifully contrasting with two blue and beige deluxe leather couches, creating a comfortable seating area for meetings and discussions.

The boardroom is adorned with tasteful artwork and sleek, modern finishings, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and professional. The walls open up to large windows, offering a splendid view of the surrounding industrial cityscape. 

The room’s refreshing ambiance facilitates seamless communication and presentation.

Illuminated in this impressive setting, Blessing shares her insights and experiences with The Herald.

Seated in a sleek, high-backed black leather executive chair, she adjusts her elegant black dress, ornamented with intricate black and white stripes that cascade from the neckline to the waist.

The dress is cinched at the waist by a matching belt, creating a striking visual effect in combination with an identical brooch. As she clasps her hands together, a studded wedding ring glimmers on her left ring finger.

Blessing’s eyes momentarily drift inward, and she takes a deep breath, collecting her thoughts.

A single tear glistens on her cheek, which she gently wipes away. With a quiet composure, she begins her story, her words unfolding like a tender, heartfelt confession—never shared before.

“I feel like my dad really took up the role of being a mum and a dad following my mother’s passing in 2008. He didn’t remarry. My mum passed on before I started working properly. So, my dad was there; he saw my successes until Covid-19 claimed him in 2021,” Blessing teary confides. 

“But I wish I had given him that feedback. That, you know, he’s done an amazing job; it’s me now. This is me, your daughter.”

If determination were a person, then, it has to be Blessing. Having overcome obstacles more than once, she speaks of her journey now—the hesitations—the stumbles and near falls, so heart-warming that the heart melts.

Early life and education

Born on September 13, 1984, in Harare, Blessing grew up in a family of three siblings, with two younger brothers, Farirai and Tendai. 

She attended Houghton Park Primary School and later Avonlea Primary School in the capital, before moving to Monte Cassino Girls High School, where she spent six years.

Her father, Marvelous Shumba, an insurance broker, and civil servant mother, Julia, played a significant role in shaping her values and work ethic.

“My mum was a strategic thinker, who, despite being a civil servant, managed to facilitate our move from Houghton Park to Emerald Hill and ensured that her children attended good schools,” Blessing says. “Born into a family of six siblings, six girls and two boys, she fostered good relations with her sisters, which I rode on, and are still abiding.”

She shares her family’s appreciation for her mother and the sacrifices she made for them, calling her their “anchor”.

Blessing reflects on her time at Monte Cassino Girls High School, mentioning the connections she made with her friends and the values instilled in her formative years.

“Monte Cassino defined who I am today. It gave me an opportunity to discover myself without outside influence.

“I think, in most cases, women lose focus, especially at that age, in teenagerhood, because of the influence of boys — what boys are saying about you, your hair, your looks, your everything,” she reminisces, her eyes glowing. 

Refusing to have her self-worth dictated by the opinions of boys, she, along with her friends, would wake up, style their short hair, and head to school, blending in with their uniforms.

The focus was on simplicity, not on appearance or material possessions. At Monte Cassino, the school’s emphasis on equality meant that everyone was on the same level, regardless of their background or financial situation.

This sense of unity was further nurtured by the spiritual aspects of their upbringing.

“The motto for Monte Cassino was “Ora et labora”, pray and work. That’s what we used to do at Monte. We used to pray and work only. We would go to the chapel for Mass every morning at six before breakfast. 

“I always think my prayers from Monte Cassino are the ones that are still taking me forward,” Blessing, a Catholic, nostalgically recounts. 

She attributes a significant part of her life’s success to the valuable friendships she formed in high school.

These relationships have been instrumental in shaping her into the person she is today. Her connection to Monte Cassino was facilitated by her aunt, who had previously attended the same institution.

Initially, she had aspirations to attend more prestigious schools like St Dominic’s in Chishawasha or Goromonzi High, but an interview at Monte Cassino led to her securing a place, ultimately setting her on a path that would prove to be defining.

Apart from the spiritual aspects inculcated at the institution, Blessing attributes her sense of discipline and self-worth to two influential mentors: Sister Schumia and Mr Chin’onzo, her headmaster. 

These individuals instilled in her the importance of order and self-confidence, with the headmaster instilling the concept of, “You are the best that ever was”, into his mentees owing to the school’s academic record. This profoundly impacted on Blessing’s life, shaping her self-perception, orderliness, and aspirations.

The two’s guidance and encouragement played a significant role in helping her develop a positive self-image and strive for excellence, contributing to her personal growth and leadership approach.

Blessing, the exemplary child

In her childhood, Blessing was the envy of many a father.

The close relationship she had with her maternal cousins and the affirmations she received from her family played a momentous role in shaping her self-perception.

“I was very close to my cousins, my mum’s sisters’ children, when I was growing up,” she says.

As an exemplary child, she was praised for her discipline and academic performance.

“I was an exemplary child. Even my cousins now talk about it.  This cousin of mine will talk about how their dad once came to our house and he saw me reading a newspaper. I think I was in Grade Five or Grade Six.

“When he got home, he beat them up, because he was like, ‘Blessing is reading a newspaper right now, you guys aren’t serious’”, she recalls with a chuckle.

She adds: “I got affirmations when I was growing up; people would always say, “She is such a good child. She’s so well-disciplined. So, it propels you; to want to live up to that—to keep that reputation—in a way, to be that person.

“And, it removes any doubt you might have about yourself, because those affirmations play a big role in how you see the world, ultimately, and how you see your work, and how you deliver in anything that you do.”

Despite her success, Blessing remains connected to her rural roots, often visiting her maternal family’s village in Zvimba or paternal relatives in Chivi. She credits her upbringing and family values for instilling in her a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility.

With a playful smile and a hint of mischief, she declares, “I am a rural person at heart”.

Her giggles and dimples warmly authenticate her affection for the countryside.

Blessing’s confidence in her rural upbringing is evident, as she asserts that there’s nothing about rural areas that she doesn’t know. This sense of pride and familiarity speaks to her strong bond with the land and her heritage.

“Both my grandfathers were great farmers, often winning Master Farmer awards. The strong work ethic, you know; I feel that’s where it comes from, generally. I believe they passed it on to their children, who passed it on to us,” she says.

She reveals that when faced with overwhelming challenges, with the weight of the world on her shoulders, she retreats to her rural sanctuary.

Blessing recalls a particularly difficult period when her former company was under judicial management and finances were strained.

Feeling stressed and uncertain about her future, she took a break and retreated to the village for a week.

“I wasn’t married then. I felt I shouldn’t be married. I was just stressed at that point in time,” she says. 

Without sharing her concerns with anyone, including her maternal grandmother, she focused on de-stressing and rejuvenating her spirit.

This experience taught her the importance of taking time to reset and recharge. To this day, she continues to find solace in returning to the village, a place where she can clear her mind and gain a fresh perspective.

Motherly role from a tender age

As the eldest sibling, Blessing took on a motherly role, caring for her brothers, Farirai and Tendai, who are five and 10 years younger than her, respectively.

The significant age gap with her younger brothers meant she took on a care giving role from a very early age. She remembers washing napkins and caring for her youngest brother, Tendai. This responsibility is typical in African culture, where children often care for each other as they grow up.

However, this early care giving role has affected her relationships with her siblings. While she has developed a friendly bond with her middle brother, Farirai, she feels that her relationship with Tendai is still more maternal.

Their conversations often revolve around responsibility and guidance, rather than casual discussions. Blessing recognises that Tendai may see her as a figure of authority, rather than a sister, due to the motherly role she played in his life.

“Me and him, our conversations are, ‘Why didn’t you do that?’  There’s never, ‘So how was your day?’ That sort of thing. I feel he’s actually scared of me in a way like, ‘She has come; that woman is here’”, she says, thoughtfully. 

Nonetheless, she is working on being more aware of this dynamic and to establish a more relaxed, sisterly relationship with Tendai, reassuring him: “I’m just your sister, so relax.”

Blessing credits her success and confidence to her late father’s firm faith in her abilities. She recounts that when her mother passed away, he entrusted her with the responsibility of running the household and caring for her siblings, which validated her leadership skills and instilled in her a sense of ownership and accountability.

Her father’s humorous remark, “This is not my house, this is Blessing’s house,” to whomever within earshot, speaks volumes about his trust in her capabilities. Despite being the patriarch, he chose to empower his daughter, recognising her potential and nurturing her growth.

This paternal support impacted on her life in a big way, shaping her self-perception and inspiring her to take on challenges with confidence. It has influenced her leadership style, which she describes as emotionally intelligent. She believes that connecting with others on an emotional level is crucial for effective leadership.

Career path of self-discovery

Radiant in Monte Cassino’s devotions, Blessing’s guardian angel led her to Nutresco, a subsidiary of Blue Ribbon Foods, where she worked as a research and development assistant, while studying Nutritional Sciences at the University of Zimbabwe.

A tour of Nestlé sparked her interest in becoming a medical delegate, a role that combined nutrition and marketing.

She reveals that her job at Blue Ribbon lacked creativity and influence, prompting her to pursue a Marketing Management degree through the University of South Africa (Unisa) after graduating from the UZ in 2006.

“My father was disappointed by that move. He wanted me to pursue a Master’s degree,” Blessing says.

After completing her degree at Unisa, she saw an opportunity to transition into marketing at Blue Ribbon.

She later applied for a trade marketing representative position at BAT Zimbabwe, despite initial reservations about the company’s prestigious image.

“I remember walking into the offices and I thought; this is a nice place?  British American Tobacco? Not me! My type of life doesn’t include all of this. You know, it just looked so out of my reach—Way out of my reach, you know, when I came for the interview,” she intimates. 

To her surprise, she was offered the role and began working at BAT Zimbabwe in 2013. This marked a turning point in her career, as she found an environment that allowed her to grow, flourish, and be herself.

Led by divine providence, she counted her blessings by the stars, landing promotions, including an area manager role for Harare, “the biggest region” housing the head office, in 2018, and ultimately discovering her true potential.

Her voice confident and articulate, Blessing reflects on her expertise and passion for her work. As she speaks, her words paint a vivid picture of her journey, from her early days to her current role, offering a unique glimpse into the world of tobacco and trade.

Nonetheless, notwithstanding the heights she has scaled, she believes that she joined the industry by default.

Reflecting on her excursion, she shares insights into her personal growth and career path. She says joining the tobacco industry was not a deliberate choice, but rather an opportunity that presented itself within her marketing career.

“I feel like I didn’t necessarily join the tobacco industry. I didn’t join the industry intentionally. I joined the marketing field intentionally,” she reflects. “I joined the industry by chance. But it was intentional to join the marketing industry.”

An epic love story

Blessing’s journey is incomplete without her rock, Tungamirai Hove, who has been the pillar in her support system.

In peals of laughter, she reflects on how she met her husband, Tungamirai, in 2015: “We actually met when I was on the job.  So, BAT has given me a lot of things, including a husband.”

“I was making a special delivery at Spar Bridge where he was working then. Although he wasn’t the one receiving, I feigned difficulty in carrying the boxes, so he asked someone to help me out.

“While that was happening, we exchanged numbers,” Blessing recalls with a giggle. “And, a year later, we were married. We were both clear on what we wanted.”

The lovebirds have two children, eight-year-old daughter, Tawana, and a son, Tinaye, who is six. Tungamirai, who is into retailing, has been a constant source of support and encouragement, helping her navigate her personal and professional life.

Blessing playfully teases men about marrying a first born woman. Combining humour and insight, she references an article that jokingly suggests men who marry first born women need to be “10 men in one” owing to their powerful nature.

Her family and friends have also been instrumental in her career journey, providing support and encouragement along the way.

Brief hiatus, opening a new chapter

In pursuit of career growth and financial stability, Blessing briefly left BAT Zimbabwe to join Varun Beverages Zimbabwe as general manager for strategy between February 2020 and early 2021.

“I was there for exactly a year. And, then BAT called me back. Me and BAT, we love each other—We love each other like that,” she says in merriment. “The move back was prompted by my movement there, as BAT asked me to come back.”

Upon her return, her star shot up again, personified through her various roles, including deployment manager, area manager, national brand manager, and head of trade for Zambia and Zimbabwe; all in a space of four years. 

Blessing notes that her experiences in different countries, such as Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia, have contributed to her professional development. Her experiences in different countries, leading diverse teams, opened her mind to the importance of understanding and immersing oneself in the cultures of team members.

“I think the biggest lesson I learnt in moving countries was to understand different cultures. Working in a big organisation yet having different cultures, culture plays a big role in how we execute our duties,” she says.

On the essence of cultural awareness in effective leadership, she cited the example of different ways of showing appreciation and the concept of diminishing ownership for doing good in Shona culture.

“Yes, you will deliver as a leader but at what cost; how many dead bodies are left strewn about. All because of cultural missteps,” she adds. The distinguished business executive warns that neglecting cultural differences can lead to negative consequences, emphasising the need for leaders to be culturally sensitive.

Leadership philosophy

Blessing’s approach to leadership is situational, and she stresses the importance of understanding and empathising with her team members.

She aims to maintain her core values while adapting to different situations, rather than adopting a traditional, aggressive leadership style. As a leader, she insists on approaching her role with emotional intelligence, understanding the importance of connecting with her team on an emotional level. She believes that this approach enables her to deliver results through others and navigate complex situations effectively.

Accentuating the import of humility, learning, and growth, she insists: “You don’t wake up a good leader.  My philosophy in leadership is that a good leader is a good follower. I started from the bottom.

“It’s like marriage, you learn every day.”

Blessing believes that effective leaders are those who can listen to feedback and adapt their style. She likens leadership to a continuous learning process, where leaders must be open to new experiences and perspectives to grow and improve.

Using her experiences in the industry, she highlights the importance of equality and personal growth.

“I will give the kudos to BAT for being a bubble. I have never been made to feel like a woman,” she says.

She praises BAT for creating an environment where she feels valued and respected, regardless of her gender. She recalls instances where she worked alongside men in challenging situations, such as route exploration, which helped to create an equal playing field for both sexes.

She underlines that her role is focused on sales and understanding consumer needs, rather than being defined by her gender.

The power of representation: Women’s empowerment

Blessing is passionate about women’s participation in the tobacco value chain, from seed to final product.

She believes that having a good representation of women in the industry would be empowering, not only for women, but also for the nation.

“Imagine having a good representation of women, that would really be empowering; empowering women means empowering the nation. Downstream everyone else is empowered,” she says.

Women should self-focus, work hard, and surround themselves with positive influences, she insists.

“Do the best you can; create a performance track record of excellency in whatever you do. Get cheerleaders for yourself. Be driven by the right company,” she advises.

Blessing acknowledges the challenges women face, including having their achievements dismissed or attributed to external factors, and encourages them to ignore negative feedback and focus on their own abilities.

“Sometimes people easily rubbish our achievements as women, saying, ‘Ooh maybe someone helped them along’. Simply shut out the noise. We suffer a lot from imposter syndrome,” she says.

Sharing a personal anecdote, she notes the importance of representation and its impact on girls’ perception of their potential: “I was with my daughter recently when the Presidential motorcade passed, and she said, ‘Ooh I wish Tinaye, one day can be a president’. ‘I asked why Tinaye? She responded, ‘So, can girls be presidents?’ That’s the power of representation.”

The inimitable go-getter reflects on her experiences working with male colleagues and the assumptions that are often made about women in leadership roles.

“I work with male colleagues in the department, so the natural inclination is to assume that the male colleague is the boss, and I am the subordinate. But it doesn’t bother me; it shows that there is a gap in our mindset,” she notes.

Blessing discusses BAT’s efforts to adapt to changing consumer trends and reduce harm associated with tobacco products.

“As BAT, our thrust is for a better tomorrow. We are on a journey to be part of a smokeless world. So, we are already on a journey towards tobacco-reduced harm products, like vapes,” she says.

Personal reflections

Slumped in her cosy chair, heightening her diminutive frame, Blessing shares her personal achievements, despite facing challenges related to her gender and pregnancy.

“I was Employee of the Year when I was a trade marketing representative. I was Manager of the Year when I was area manager; and both times I was pregnant,” the proud mother of two, says, her eyes glowing with determination.

Without slackening her enthusiasm, she acknowledges the difficulties of balancing work and family life, particularly when work requires relocation.

“It’s always difficult to create a balance, especially when you are a career person. You are deployed somewhere else and you leave your family behind, like what happened when I moved to Mozambique and Zambia,” Blessing says.

However, her trump card has always been “living in the moment” and delivering results at work without compromising her personal life.

“When I am at work, I am at work.  Not to diminish my personal life, but when you are at work you need to deliver,” she adds.

She points out how having a support system in place, including her husband and school arrangements for her children, cut it for her. She converses on the importance of being aware of cultural nuances and managing her multiple roles as a wife, mother, sister, and daughter-in-law effectively.

She says spending time with her family and engaging in activities that help her relax, such as playing with her children and socialising with friends, recharge her batteries.

“My family is key, my children do not know any other mother; they don’t judge me. Spending time with my family reboots me,” she pronounces. 

Unperturbed by challenges, Blessing has found a formula to rebound and find inspiration and learning slates in setbacks.   

There was a time when she had to advocate for herself and her family, and her concerns were heard. 

“When I moved to Zambia, I wasn’t supposed to go with the family. My daughter was six and my son was four, so I spoke up, and they listened,” she says.

She recounts a particularly heart wilting experience where she had to balance her work and family responsibilities, and how her boss offered support.

“I remember having to make a presentation on a life-changing platform and my son fell sick the night before, and he was hospitalised.

“I contacted my boss. That conversation with my boss changed everything for me. She said, ‘Fine, I can deliver it for you, since you have already done everything, but it will only take 30 minutes of your time’.

“My husband said he would also sit with the baby but I was afraid of the cultural context of the arrangement,” she says. “When we speak up our challenges disappear.”

An avid reader, Blessing, who recently read John Grisham’s “The King of Torts”, singles out “The Bookseller of Kabul” by Norwegian journalist, Åsne Seierstad, as an inspirational book to her.

“I would rather read the movie than watch it.  When you read, you are in the moment. For a movie, the images have already been formed for you, but when you read, you create your own images in your head, which takes a lot of concentration. Reading is therapeutic,” Blessing affirms. 

She adds that the stories of former American President Barack Obama and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female president, inspire and intrigue her.

Describing herself as a passionate, compassionate, and dedicated individual, Blessing says if given the opportunity to time travel, she would like to go back to her days at Monte Cassino, to offer advice to her younger self.

“I would like to tell Blessing, that you are in the right direction; don’t doubt yourself,” she says.

The midday sun beats down relentlessly on the Southerton industrial area, casting a harsh glare over the bustling streets of Manchester, Simon Mazorodze, Highfield, and Willowvale, as Blessing draws the curtains to her inspiring story.   

The air is thick with the smell of exhaust fumes and the hum of machinery. Breadwinners hurry to and fro, seeking shade beneath canopies or rushing to grab a quick lunch at nearby eateries. Oppressively, the heat radiates off the pavement like a palpable force.

In stark contrast to the cool, serene atmosphere of the BAT Zimbabwe boardroom, the outside world is sweltering as the vibrant landscape pulses with the rhythm of industry and commerce.

As she bids us farewell, Blessing steps out into the fatiguing environment, standing tall in her high-heeled black shoes, her fortitude and surefootedness seeming all the more remarkable, forged in the fire of difficulty and tempered by a steadfast commitment to set goals.

With a strong foundation built on the principles of “Ora et labora” (pray and work), her future endeavours are sure to be guided by the lessons she learnt at Monte Cassino, and the prayers she had.