The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
IN a move depicting a paradigm shift and forward thinking, the Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has come up with a client service charter that seeks to ensure that tobacco value chain stakeholders get the best out of its services.
Tobacco farming is a pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy and the golden leaf is the country’s most valuable export commodity.
This season tobacco generated US$900 million. TIMB now wants to strengthen its foothold in the sector by clearly stipulating the required quality standards.
The board’s clients include the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, tobacco growers, merchants, processors, consumers, auction floors, service providers, employees, financiers, contractors, education, extension and research service providers, input suppliers and the media.
TIMB spokesperson, Mrs Chelesani Tsarwe said their proposition is anchored on the promise to deliver a fast and efficient processing system, good customer relations and effective communication, while striving for fair value for all tobacco sold.
The charter promises to offer quality services that meet or exceed clients’ expectations and pursue excellence in providing prompt and efficient services to customers.
The board also promises to attend to clients’ needs without regard to gender, race, creed, age or disability and in all languages.
“In adherence to corporate governance standards, the board developed a client service charter.
“The charter gives written promises outlining the standards that TIMB intends to uphold when dealing with clients and stakeholders.
“It acts as a guide for both the staff and the customers, letting the staff know what is expected from them and what our customers expect from us,” she said.
Mrs Tsarwe said clients have up to August 28 to review and forward proposed changes to the charter.
Tobacco Farmers Union Trust (TFUT) president, Mr Victor Mariranyika expressed optimism that there will be swift resolution of farmers’ bread and butter grievances.
Mr Mariranyika said about 95 percent of tobacco is financed through the contract system.
He said while production is increasing, farmers are bitterly complaining that their welfare has not improved, adding that the contract system is a debt trap.
“It is a good initiative that gives direction but over and above all, it should be enforced strictly to make the board more efficient, transparent and accountable.
“It will go a long way in eradicating the corruption that had become perverse in the tobacco value chain.
“Its enforcement should ensure that contracted farmers receive adequate or prescribed production inputs in time, while the marketing system is progressively reviewed to sustain livelihoods,” said Mr Mariranyika.
He said the charter should not be a scholastic document that will be archived to gather dust on the shelves.
“It should not end in theory, we will be happy if it is put into practice.
“What is worrying though is that on the client list, they overlooked tobacco associations or unions, yet we are playing an integral role in protecting the rights of tobacco farmers,” said Mr Mariranyika.
Odzi farmer, Mr Shupikai Mvurumutiya said TIMB should engage stakeholders and embark on campaigns to raise awareness about the charter and the set standards.
Mr Mvurumutiya said TIMB should take urgent steps to address child labour in the tobacco industry.
Research conducted in 2016 and 2017 revealed that the industry is tainted by child labour.
