Lieutenant General (Rtd) Dr. Engelbert Rugeje Hailed as Visionary as He Departs TIMB

By Ilyana Sithole

The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) bid a nostalgic farewell to Lieutenant General (Rtd) Dr. Engelbert A. Rugeje, whose six-year stint in office on the board has been termed “nothing short of transformative” to the tobacco industry in Zimbabwe. The tearful sendoff last night at The Country Club was graced by testimonia flooding in for a leader who has been hailed for leading the industry to record heights.

TIMB chairman Patrick Devenish has thanked Dr. Rugeje for his “tremendous contribution” since he was inducted on the board on May 22, 2019. Devenish attributed Dr. Rugeje’s “depth of experience, sense of responsibility, and strategic vision sharpened by years of exceptional service,” citing key roles of Chairperson of the Human Resources and Remuneration Committee, the Production and Marketing Committee, and the Integrity Committee. Dr. Rugeje’s PhD in Ethics, in Devenish’s view, gave the board an important “ethical compass” that navigated them through complex situations with “unshakeable integrity and justice,” always fighting for what was good.

A Legacy of Record-Breaking Achievements

A crowning achievement of Dr. Rugeje’s time at TIMB was his instrumental role in crafting and implementing the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan for 2019 to 2025. This visionary blueprint, which Devenish describes as a “strategic roadmap,” put in place a sound basis for inclusive development, increased productivity, and significant value addition across the entire sector to advantage all stakeholders from small communal growers all the way through to large exporters.

The tangible gains of this strategy are astounding. In Dr. Rugeje’s “astute leadership,” the Zimbabwe tobacco industry has broken all-time records, yielding by a wide margin well past the remarkable 300 million kilogram level of crops. “This success is a simple and unambiguous expression of your visionary guidance, your vision, and your incessant commitment,” declared Devenish, noting how these record crops translate into better living standards for thousands of farming families in Zimbabwe in a very concrete sense.

Apart from the numbers, Dr. Rugeje was a keen proponent of the growth of local players and an ardent supporter of diversification into the African region, where he saw huge development opportunities beyond conventional markets. His leadership also brought with it comprehensive consolidation of TIMB’s organizational pillars through re-fashioning of the TIMB Board Charter, HR policy renewal, and culture change overall agenda.

Dr. Rugeje Reflects on Purpose and Partnership

In his emotional valedictory speech, Dr. Rugeje poured out his deep appreciation and wistfulness for what he referred to as an “immensely rewarding chapter” of his career. He spoke with pride of his role in developing and rolling out the NDS1-influenced Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan. To see the industry not only reach but transcend the 300-million-kilogram mark, and the consequent real effect on thousands of farmers, shall always be the source of huge pride for him.

Dr. Rugeje also noted how TIMB helped him develop professionally and personally, that is, by acquiring a Professional Directorship qualification. He enjoyed the friendships forged between his colleagues, seeing the board as “a team, united by a common purpose,” where friendship, healthy argument, and respect for one another prevailed.

Looking to the future, Dr. Rugeje challenged the TIMB Board and management to keep pushing for even higher performance with every expectation that they would be able to deliver and surpass the ambitious targets of NDS2. He ushered in Mr. Emmanuel Matsvaire to his new Chief Executive Officer’s office, inviting him to “lead with courage, integrity, and always with the best interests of the tobacco value chain at heart.”

Dr. Rugeje wrapped up by stating that his interest in the Zimbabwean tobacco industry is as strong and that his door is still open for further interaction. The night ended on a standing ovation and a toast to Lieutenant General (Rtd) Dr. Engelbert A. Rugeje, in remembrance of his success as a “true leader, a man of integrity, and a visionary who has had a deep influence on the future of Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry.” His departure creates a massive gap, but his revolutionary input will undoubtedly be felt for decades to come.