By Desire Tshuma
Chimanimani East – What was meant to be a corporate anniversary became a day of healing in Mutambara. Hundreds of residents from Mutambara and surrounding communities in Chimanimani East received free medical services on Saturday as NetOne marked 30 years of operation with a OneHealth Medical Outreach.
In partnership with ZimSmart Villages, the state-owned mobile operator provided free medical consultations, chronic disease screening, cancer screening, eye examinations and medication. The event was hosted at a venue generously availed by Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya, who toured the outreach and interacted with beneficiaries.
Dr. Mangudya applauded NetOne for choosing to commemorate its milestone by investing in people. “Sustainable corporate success is measured not only by financial performance or technological advancement, but also by the positive and lasting impact created within the communities it serves,” he said. He described the initiative as “a practical example of responsible corporate citizenship” and called for continued collaboration between business, government and development partners to improve the quality of life of Zimbabweans.
For many in Chimanimani East, the outreach addressed a daily struggle: access to healthcare. Elderly citizens who had gone months without routine medical reviews received professional consultations. Mothers accessed healthcare services for their families without the financial burden of travelling to distant hospitals, while hundreds of patients left with medication and renewed confidence about their health.
“I never imagined that specialists and medication would come to our community free of charge,” said one beneficiary after receiving treatment. “Today I have been examined, counselled and given medicine without paying anything. NetOne has reminded us that we matter.”
Another community member echoed similar sentiments. “This is what development should look like. It is encouraging to see a company investing in people and not just business. We sincerely thank NetOne for remembering Mutambara.”
Speaking at the event, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Raphael Mushanawani, said the company’s 30-year journey has always been about more than providing telecommunications services. “For thirty years, NetOne has connected Zimbabweans through innovation and technology. Today, we celebrate that legacy by strengthening another important connection — the connection between corporate purpose and community well-being. We believe that sustainable success is achieved when the growth of our business translates into meaningful improvements in the lives of the people we serve. That is the legacy we continue to build,” he said.
NetOne Spokesperson, Mr Ernest Magadzire, said the outreach demonstrates the company’s commitment to national development and inclusive growth. “As we celebrate thirty years of connecting Zimbabweans, we are intentionally shifting the conversation from connectivity alone to impact. At NetOne, we believe that true connectivity must improve lives, empower communities and create opportunities,” Magadzire said.
He added that the initiative is “a practical demonstration of our Environmental, Social and Governance commitments” and embodies “His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no place and no one behind.” Magadzire noted that the programme aligns with the Social Development pillar of National Development Strategy 2 and Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being.
Throughout the day, healthcare professionals worked to attend to patients, while volunteers guided beneficiaries through various service points. The atmosphere was filled with appreciation and hope as community members acknowledged the difference that accessible healthcare can make.
As NetOne enters its fourth decade of service, the company says it continues to redefine what it means to be a telecommunications provider. Beyond expanding network coverage and driving digital transformation, it is investing in healthier communities, stronger partnerships and a more inclusive future for every Zimbabwean.
For the people of Mutambara, NetOne’s 30th anniversary will be remembered not only as a milestone in telecommunications, but as the day a company chose to celebrate its success by giving back to the very communities that have been part of its journey for the past three decades.