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NetOne Cellular marked a major milestone in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts this Saturday with a dual-impact initiative that brought together over 500 community members for the Run For Hope anti-drug marathon and the official handover of a fully renovated Mtetengwe Secondary School.
The event was graced by the Honourable Vice President of Zimbabwe, Retired Colonel K.C.D. Mohadi, and reflected the private sector’s alignment with national and global development agendas.
The occasion not only promoted health and wellness through sport but also reinforced the private sector’s commitment to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy. The investment in educational infrastructure directly supports National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) pillars such as Human Capital Development and Innovation, as well as Infrastructure and Utilities.
The marathon served as a dynamic platform for anti-drug awareness, with participants ranging from schoolchildren to professional athletes. Health professionals and reformed youth advocates used the event to share real-life testimonies and raise awareness of the dangers of drug and substance abuse. The initiative aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
Speaking during the event, NetOne Group CEO, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, emphasized that their efforts were geared toward meaningful transformation.
“Our interventions here at Mtetengwe are not symbolic—they are substantive. We’ve renovated classrooms, installed a solar-powered borehole, developed a nutritional garden, and launched a digital lab to introduce rural learners to the global digital village,” said Eng. Mushanawani.
These upgrades are a direct contribution to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), while also supporting the digital inclusion aspirations embedded in NDS1.
Empowering Future Generations Through Education
Vice President Mohadi officially commissioned:
* A newly refurbished school block comprising 8 modern classrooms
* A 40-unit solar-powered computer laboratory
* A community nutritional garden linked to a school feeding scheme
* A solar-powered borehole ensuring safe water access
He applauded NetOne’s commitment to national priorities, saying, “Education is the bedrock of national development. These renovations are proof that our private sector is fully aligned with our shared vision to equip every child with a conducive and competitive learning environment.”
The Vice President further noted that such partnerships were critical in achieving Vision 2030 targets, as well as the inclusive development goals outlined in NDS1.
Minister of Defence and ZANU PF National Chairperson, Cde O.C.Z. Muchinguri, addressed the alarming rise in drug use, stressing the need for a whole-of-society approach.
“This drug scourge is not just a national crisis; it is a community and household issue. Every stakeholder—parents, teachers, churches, and corporates—has a role to play in creating a drug-free Zimbabwe.”
Mtetengwe Primary School Headmaster, Mr. Ncube, praised the transformation.
“With the ICT lab, our students are acquiring vital digital skills that will contribute to national growth. Enrollment is projected to increase by 30%, and for the first time, our learners are coding alongside their urban peers.”
This progress underscores efforts to reduce urban-rural educational disparities and fulfills the digital transformation goals of NDS1, as well as SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
