Category: SayPro Corporate Insights

SayPro National Hemp Day Celebration 2016
Speech by SayPro Chief Marketing Officer

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone!

It’s truly inspiring to see so many passionate advocates, partners, and friends gathered here today for the 2016 SayPro National Hemp Day Celebration.

Last year, we stood together at a pivotal moment — a moment when the power of hemp began to resonate louder than ever before. And since then, SayPro has not only grown but thrived, expanding our mission and deepening our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and education.

2016 marks a year of exciting breakthroughs. We’ve broadened our product lines, integrated new technologies, and forged partnerships that are pushing the boundaries of what hemp can achieve. From eco-friendly packaging to next-generation wellness solutions, hemp’s potential is unfolding rapidly — and SayPro is proud to lead the charge.

But this journey is not just about business. It’s about transformation — of industries, communities, and the way we think about our environment. Hemp’s ability to regenerate soil, reduce carbon footprints, and provide renewable alternatives is unmatched. SayPro is honored to play a role in driving this positive change for our planet.

This year, education remains at the heart of our efforts. We’re committed to breaking down misconceptions, advocating for supportive policies, and empowering consumers with knowledge. Because the future of hemp depends on informed choices and collective action.

To everyone who has supported SayPro and the hemp movement — thank you. Your passion fuels our progress and inspires us every day.

Let’s continue to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and celebrate the remarkable possibilities hemp offers.

Here’s to a thriving 2016 and beyond!

Happy National Hemp Day!

Thank you.

SayPro 2017 National Hemp Day Celebration
Speech by SayPro Chief Marketing Officer

Good [morning/afternoon], everyone,

It’s a true pleasure to stand before you today at the SayPro 2017 National Hemp Day Celebration. This day marks a significant milestone—not only for SayPro but for the entire hemp industry as we continue to grow and innovate.

Hemp is more than just a crop; it’s a symbol of sustainable innovation, economic opportunity, and community empowerment. Over the years, SayPro has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the incredible benefits of hemp—from its environmental advantages to its wide range of applications in products that improve everyday lives.

As Chief Marketing Officer, I’m proud of the strides we’ve made in bringing hemp into the spotlight. Our campaigns have helped educate consumers, break down outdated stigmas, and build trust around hemp-based products. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, showing us that people are ready and eager to embrace hemp as part of a sustainable future.

Looking ahead, our goal is to continue expanding the market for hemp products, highlighting their versatility and sustainability. We will leverage innovation and creativity in marketing to connect with consumers who value health, environment, and quality.

Today, as we celebrate National Hemp Day, let us recognize the efforts of everyone involved—from our farmers and researchers to marketers and consumers. Together, we’re shaping a future where hemp is a cornerstone of responsible business and environmental stewardship.

Thank you for your passion and dedication. Here’s to many more years of growth, success, and sustainability with hemp.

Happy National Hemp Day 2017!

Thank you.

SayPro National Hemp Day 2018 – Inaugural Celebration Event Speech
By: SayPro Chief Marketing Officer

Good morning, SayPro family, distinguished guests, partners, pioneers, and most importantly—the believers.

Today marks an important and historic moment: the very first SayPro National Hemp Day Celebration.

This is not just a celebration of a plant. This is the birth of a movement—a bold, unapologetic declaration that Africa is ready for a green revolution. A revolution that is just, inclusive, and rooted in sustainability.

We gather here not because hemp is trendy, but because hemp is timely. In a world facing rising unemployment, soil degradation, inequality, and climate change—we are here to say: Hemp is not just part of the solution. It is a symbol of our power to create new paths forward.

At SayPro, we’ve never been afraid to speak up, step in, and start where others hesitate. And in 2018, we begin with hemp—because hemp represents something rare:

🌿 A crop that heals the land.
🌿 A product that fuels clean industries.
🌿 A movement that empowers youth, women, and local economies.
🌿 A future where Africa grows with pride and purpose.

Let me be clear—today is not about perfection. Today is about possibility.

And like all movements, we start small—but we dream big.

In the past year, SayPro has:

• Launched the Hemp Possibilities Dialogue Series, opening critical conversations across South Africa on legislation, opportunity, and equity.
• Begun mapping local communities interested in alternative farming systems—with a specific focus on hemp as a climate-smart, high-yield option.
• Started engaging with youth, educators, and civil society to debunk the myths, educate the public, and build momentum from the ground up.

This is just the beginning. But every great forest starts with a single seed.

As Chief Marketing Officer, my mission is to shape the story—and in this room today, I see the story taking shape.

The story of a continent that is done waiting for permission.
The story of young people who no longer want charity—they want tools, training, and access.
The story of an industry that can generate jobs, wellness, innovation, and pride—without destroying our environment.

And yes, we know the challenges. Regulation is slow. Perceptions are hard to change. But progress always begins with those willing to go first.

SayPro is going first.

We are building the platform. We are rallying the support. And we are inviting partners who are not only interested in profit—but in purpose.

By this time next year, we aim to have:

✅ Our first demonstration hemp farms in rural provinces.
✅ A network of trained youth ready to lead the next generation of hemp-based enterprises.
✅ And a stronger, unified voice pushing for fair and enabling policy across the continent.

To our critics—we welcome your questions.
To our partners—we thank you for your courage.
To our communities—we promise to walk with you, not ahead of you.
And to the next generation—we are doing this for you and with you.

Let today be remembered not as a one-time celebration, but as the moment we chose bold action over comfortable silence.

Let this be the year we said:
Enough talking.
Enough waiting.
Let’s plant, let’s build, and let’s lead.

From this moment on, SayPro is growing the future—one hemp seed, one idea, and one community at a time.

Thank you.
Thank you for standing with us.
And Happy First National Hemp Day!

SayPro National Hemp Day 2019 – Celebration Event Speech
By: SayPro Chief Marketing Officer

Good morning, SayPro family, friends, innovators, and fellow believers in bold ideas.

It is an honor to stand before you today at the very first SayPro National Hemp Day Celebration—a historic milestone not just for our organization, but for every farmer, activist, entrepreneur, and dreamer who believes in building a better future through sustainable innovation.

Today, we make it clear: hemp has a home in Africa.

For too long, the word “hemp” has been misunderstood. It’s been met with confusion, stigma, and hesitation. But we are here to change the narrative—to shine a spotlight on what hemp truly represents:

🌿 A source of hope for struggling farmers.
🌿 A foundation for sustainable industries that put people and planet first.
🌿 A pathway to economic transformation, job creation, and climate resilience.

At SayPro, we believe in unlocking the potential of untapped resources—and hemp is one of the most powerful, versatile, and promising resources we have.

Just imagine:

• Hemp that restores soil and captures carbon.
• Hemp that becomes biodegradable packaging, stronger building materials, and healthier products.
• Hemp that fuels an entire green economy, right here in Africa.

And we are proud to say: we’ve already begun.

Over the past year, SayPro has taken the first bold steps:

• We’ve hosted community dialogues and workshops to educate and engage farmers, youth, and policy-makers across the country.
• We’ve launched the SayPro Hemp Awareness Campaign, reaching over 5,000 people both online and on the ground, with simple facts and powerful stories.
• We’ve initiated early-stage pilot discussions with researchers and growers to explore how hemp can be legally, ethically, and profitably integrated into local agricultural systems.

This may be the beginning—but make no mistake: it is a strategic beginning. We are laying the groundwork for a future where hemp becomes a driver of inclusive growth and innovation.

And we can’t do it alone.

We need your voices, your creativity, and your leadership. Whether you’re a student, a farmer, a developer, or a decision-maker—this moment belongs to all of us.

Let this National Hemp Day be a declaration:

We are no longer asking if hemp is viable.
We are declaring that hemp is valuable.
We are no longer asking when Africa will lead.
We are committing to lead now—with courage, knowledge, and vision.

To our supporters and early champions—thank you for being bold when it wasn’t easy.
To our communities—thank you for listening, learning, and asking the tough questions.
And to our future—thank you for waiting patiently. We are coming for you with purpose.

Let this be the first of many celebrations, and the start of something transformative.

Happy SayPro National Hemp Day 2019—and here’s to the future we’re growing together!

Thank you.

SayPro 2020 National Hemp Day Celebration Speech
By SayPro Chief Marketing Officer

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone!

It is an absolute honor to stand before you today at the SayPro 2020 National Hemp Day Celebration — a momentous occasion where we come together as a community to celebrate the incredible potential and promise of hemp.

As the Chief Marketing Officer of SayPro, I’m proud to represent a company deeply committed to advancing hemp’s role in shaping a sustainable, innovative, and healthier future. Hemp is not just a crop — it’s a catalyst for change. From eco-friendly textiles and biodegradable plastics to revolutionary wellness products and nutritious foods, hemp is transforming industries and redefining what’s possible.

This year, amid unprecedented challenges, the hemp community has shown resilience, creativity, and a steadfast dedication to progress. We’ve seen an explosion of interest and investment, groundbreaking research, and expanded consumer awareness — all signaling that hemp’s time is truly now.

At SayPro, we believe in harnessing the power of hemp not only to benefit consumers but to uplift farmers, protect the environment, and stimulate economic growth across regions. Our mission has always been to bridge innovation with education — ensuring people understand hemp’s versatility, its benefits, and the science behind it.

Today, as we celebrate National Hemp Day, let’s reflect on how far we’ve come and look ahead with optimism. The hemp industry stands at the crossroads of opportunity — an industry rooted in sustainability, driven by innovation, and supported by a passionate community of advocates, entrepreneurs, and visionaries.

Thank you to all the growers, manufacturers, researchers, policymakers, and consumers who have contributed to this incredible journey. Your efforts fuel this movement.

Together, we will continue to champion hemp’s potential — advancing products that improve lives, protect our planet, and build thriving economies.

Let’s celebrate not just hemp as a plant, but hemp as a powerful force for positive change.

Happy National Hemp Day to all!

Thank you.

SayPro National Hemp Day 2021 – Celebration Event Speech
By: SayPro Chief Marketing Officer

Good morning, everyone!

It is with deep gratitude and great excitement that I welcome you to the 2021 SayPro National Hemp Day Celebration.

Today marks an important moment in our collective journey. A day when we pause not only to recognize the power and potential of hemp, but also to honor the people, the communities, and the pioneers working tirelessly to bring that potential to life—right here in Africa.

At SayPro, we believe in innovation with purpose. We believe in entrepreneurship that uplifts. And we believe that hemp is more than a crop—it is a catalyst for a greener, more inclusive, and more sustainable economy.

Over the past year, despite global challenges, our team at SayPro has worked side by side with farmers, educators, entrepreneurs, and government leaders to take bold steps toward making hemp a national asset.

Let’s reflect on a few key milestones:

• Through our SayPro Hemp Awareness Campaign, we reached over 30,000 people with educational content, workshops, and forums designed to demystify hemp, debunk myths, and open minds to its potential.
• We partnered with local agricultural cooperatives to pilot our first three hemp cultivation sites in under-resourced communities—empowering farmers with training, tools, and access to new markets.
• And just last month, we helped launch the SayPro Green Skills Program, which is training young people in sustainable agriculture, product innovation, and eco-enterprise development—with hemp at the heart of the curriculum.

These are not just achievements—they are signals of what’s possible when vision meets action.

We know the road ahead is long. There are still regulatory barriers, limited infrastructure, and societal stigma to overcome. But we also know that hemp is part of the solution—to environmental challenges, to economic inequality, and to the urgent need for sustainable industries that prioritize people and the planet.

As marketers, we often talk about brand values, customer journeys, and market positioning. But today, let’s talk about something even bigger: impact.

At SayPro, our brand isn’t built in boardrooms. It’s built in villages, classrooms, co-ops, and community farms. Our brand is built by the people who plant the seeds, who take the risks, who dream beyond the barriers.

And to all of you—our partners, supporters, and champions—I say thank you. This day is yours.

As we celebrate this first-ever SayPro National Hemp Day, let’s remember: this is not just about agriculture. It’s about agency. It’s about innovation rooted in African soil. And it’s about choosing a future that is green, just, and shared by all.

Together, we will cultivate more than crops—we will cultivate change.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for believing. And thank you for growing this movement with us.

Happy SayPro National Hemp Day!

SayPro National Hemp Day 2022 – Celebration Event Speech
By: SayPro Chief Marketing Officer

Good morning, SayPro partners, community champions, innovators, and friends.

What a powerful moment to be gathered here today for the 2022 SayPro National Hemp Day Celebration—a day that marks not only a milestone, but a movement. A movement that is rooted in the soil, powered by people, and destined to reshape our future.

At SayPro, we have always believed in the potential of what’s often overlooked. And today, we stand proudly to celebrate one of Africa’s most misunderstood yet most promising resources: hemp.

We are here not just to speak about hemp, but to shift the way we see hemp—as a tool for inclusion, as a symbol of innovation, and as a solution for many of the challenges our communities face.

In 2022, we are no longer asking “Why hemp?”—we are asking, “How fast can we grow it, build with it, and empower through it?”

Here’s what we’ve achieved together since last year:

🌿 Our SayPro Hemp Literacy Campaign reached over 20,000 learners, educators, and parents across South Africa, busting myths and igniting curiosity about hemp’s benefits for health, environment, and entrepreneurship.

🧑🏽‍🌾 We supported the establishment of four hemp pilot plots in partnership with emerging farmers, universities, and municipalities—creating real opportunities for hands-on learning and local enterprise.

💼 And for the first time, SayPro launched the Youth in Hemp Challenge, where young entrepreneurs pitched their ideas—from biodegradable packaging to hemp protein snacks—and five received seed funding and mentorship to launch.

These achievements are not isolated—they are the early signs of something extraordinary taking root.

As Chief Marketing Officer, I see firsthand how perception shapes possibility. And I’m proud to say: the perception of hemp is changing—fast. More people are seeing what we’ve known all along:

Hemp is not a drug—it is a door. A door to sustainability. A door to dignity. A door to development.

But we must keep going.

In 2023, SayPro is preparing to:

✅ Expand our SayPro Hemp Empowerment Programme to more provinces and rural districts.
✅ Launch a public-private hemp investment toolkit to guide ethical development.
✅ Support the creation of Africa’s first Hemp Innovation Exhibition to connect creators, makers, farmers, and investors across the continent.

None of this would be possible without you—our partners, supporters, and community leaders—who have walked this journey with us from a whisper to a wave.

To the students who now dream in green futures, to the farmers who have taken the leap, to the policymakers beginning to listen—we thank you. We celebrate you. You are proof that real transformation grows from the ground up.

So today, as we mark another National Hemp Day, let’s celebrate not just the plant—but the power of bold ideas, shared vision, and collective action.

Let this day remind us:
👉🏽 That Africa’s future is not imported—it’s cultivated locally.
👉🏽 That green jobs are not a theory—they’re emerging by the thousands.
👉🏽 That when we believe in our people, our land, and our innovation—there is nothing we cannot achieve.

Thank you for being a part of this movement. Thank you for believing in a greener tomorrow.
And thank you for growing the future with SayPro.

Happy National Hemp Day 2022!
Let’s keep planting, let’s keep pushing, and let’s keep going.

SayPro National Hemp Day 2023 – Celebration Event Speech
By: SayPro Chief Marketing Officer

Good morning, SayPro family, respected guests, community leaders, farmers, innovators, and change-makers.

It is with deep pride and profound excitement that I welcome you to the 2023 SayPro National Hemp Day Celebration!

Today, we celebrate not just a plant, but a purpose. Not just a crop, but a catalyst for economic justice, environmental healing, and youth empowerment. We gather to affirm one simple, powerful truth:

Hemp is Africa’s future—and SayPro is helping lead the way.

Over the past few years, the word “hemp” has moved from the margins to the mainstream. It’s no longer a misunderstood idea—it’s a bold solution. And SayPro has been at the forefront of turning that solution into opportunity.

Let’s take a moment to recognize the progress we’ve made together since we first stood on this stage in 2019:

• Our SayPro Hemp Skills Academy has trained more than 25,000 youth, women, and smallholder farmers across Southern Africa in sustainable cultivation, green enterprise, and product innovation.
• We’ve launched our first community demonstration farms, where people are seeing hemp’s potential with their own eyes—from textiles and eco-bricks to biofuels and herbal wellness products.
• Our advocacy efforts have contributed to greater awareness and early-stage policy dialogue with local governments, opening the door for responsible regulation and ethical growth in the hemp sector.

And perhaps most importantly: we’ve begun to change the narrative. Hemp is no longer just a conversation—it’s a movement. A movement that’s community-led, youth-driven, and values-based.

As Chief Marketing Officer of SayPro, my job is to tell the story of this movement. And the story I see unfolding today is one of powerful, homegrown transformation.

A young entrepreneur in Mthatha, who turned hemp into sustainable school bags.
A farming collective in Mpumalanga, growing hemp to restore their land and earn income.
A group of girls in Soweto, learning that their future can be built not only with books—but also with soil, sunlight, and sustainable ideas.

This is what SayPro is about.

We don’t just teach skills—we build confidence.
We don’t just promote innovation—we cultivate inclusion.
We don’t just market a crop—we amplify a vision for an Africa that thrives by taking care of its people and its planet.

So, where do we go from here?

In 2024, SayPro will launch the Hemp Enterprise Incubation Programme, supporting 100 youth-led businesses in the green economy.

We are expanding our partnerships with universities, municipalities, and regional bodies to deepen research, improve access to capital, and advocate for fair trade policies that protect small producers.

And we will continue to grow our impact across the continent—because we believe hemp is not just a South African story—it’s an African opportunity.

To everyone in this room: whether you’re a policy-maker, an investor, a farmer, a student, or a concerned citizen—your voice, your energy, and your commitment are essential.

This is not just SayPro’s work—it is our collective work.

Let us continue to plant, build, teach, and dream.
Let us turn this annual celebration into a daily commitment.
And let us boldly declare: the future is green, the future is just, and the future is hemp.

Thank you, thank you, thank you—and Happy SayPro National Hemp Day 2023!

SayPro 2025 National Hemp Day Celebration Speech
By SayPro Chief Marketing Officer

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone!

It’s a tremendous honor to welcome you all to the SayPro 2025 National Hemp Day Celebration. Today, we stand at the forefront of one of the most exciting and transformative moments in hemp history.

Over the past decade, hemp has evolved from a niche crop to a global powerhouse — reshaping industries, driving innovation, and inspiring sustainable solutions. And SayPro has been proud to lead this charge, championing hemp’s vast potential and connecting it with consumers and businesses around the world.

In 2025, the possibilities for hemp are truly limitless. Advances in science and technology have unlocked new applications in health, construction, textiles, and even clean energy. Hemp is no longer just an alternative — it is a preferred choice for a sustainable future.

At SayPro, our mission remains clear: to educate, innovate, and advocate for hemp in all its forms. We are expanding our partnerships, investing in cutting-edge research, and developing products that not only meet consumer needs but also promote environmental stewardship.

This year’s National Hemp Day is especially significant as we witness hemp becoming deeply integrated into everyday life — from biodegradable packaging to next-generation wellness products, from carbon-negative building materials to nutrient-rich foods.

We recognize, too, the vital role of the hemp community — the farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and advocates who work tirelessly to advance this industry. Your passion and commitment have made all the difference.

As we celebrate today, let us recommit ourselves to unlocking hemp’s full potential. Together, we can drive innovation, support sustainable economies, and build a healthier planet for generations to come.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Here’s to a bright, green future powered by hemp.

Happy National Hemp Day!

SayPro National Hemp Day 2027 – Celebration Event Speech
By: SayPro Chief Marketing Officer

Good morning, distinguished guests, partners, trailblazers, and members of the SayPro family.

It is an absolute honor to welcome you to the 2027 SayPro National Hemp Day Celebration—a day that not only celebrates progress but reaffirms our purpose.

Six years ago, when SayPro first launched National Hemp Day, we knew we weren’t just planting seeds in the ground—we were planting a bold new vision for Africa’s future. And today, we are beginning to see that vision come to life.

From community fields to government chambers, from classrooms to global boardrooms—hemp has taken root in the public imagination and is growing into one of the most promising industries of our generation.

At SayPro, we’ve always believed in solutions that serve people, planet, and prosperity. And in hemp, we have found a powerful convergence of all three.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on just how far we’ve come together:

• Our SayPro Hemp Training Programme has now empowered more than 75,000 young people and women across Africa with knowledge and skills in cultivation, product development, and sustainable business.
• We’ve supported the launch of over 300 hemp-based micro-enterprises in rural and peri-urban communities—creating green jobs, circular economies, and local pride.
• Our SayPro EcoHemp Innovation Labs are driving research into biodegradable packaging, hempcrete construction, clean energy, and health products—turning what was once seen as a niche crop into a national resource.

This isn’t just growth. This is transformation.

And what’s most exciting is that this movement is no longer driven by possibility alone—it’s driven by proof.

We’ve shown that hemp can regenerate land, reduce waste, and build wealth at the grassroots level. We’ve shown that young people—when given the tools—will lead with creativity and courage. And we’ve shown that when industry, government, and community come together, real change is not only possible—it’s inevitable.

But make no mistake: we’re still just getting started.

Looking ahead, SayPro is preparing to scale the impact of hemp on a continental level. In 2028, we will launch the SayPro Pan-African Hemp Leadership Fellowship, bringing together future-focused thinkers, farmers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to shape policy, expand markets, and champion ethical and sustainable hemp development across Africa.

We are also finalizing partnerships to establish Africa’s first cross-border Hemp Innovation Trade Zone, designed to boost exports, attract green investment, and position Africa as a global leader in sustainable industrial hemp.

And through all of this, our message remains clear:

Hemp is not a trend. It’s a tool. A tool for equity, for climate resilience, for health, for innovation, and for dignity.

To our farmers and producers: thank you for leading from the ground up.
To our researchers and advocates: thank you for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
To our SayPro teams across the continent: thank you for turning passion into action, every single day.
And to our youth—our future—thank you for reminding us that true transformation always starts with bold dreams.

As we celebrate National Hemp Day this year, let’s remember: we’re not just growing a plant. We’re growing a movement. A future. A new economy that honors the earth and uplifts every voice.

Let’s keep going. Let’s keep growing.

Thank you, and Happy SayPro National Hemp Day!