Telecommunications giant NetOne marked its 30th anniversary by launching a comprehensive OneHealth Medical Outreach in Mutambara, Manicaland Province, providing free medical services to hundreds of residents. The initiative, a departure from traditional corporate celebrations, underscores NetOne’s commitment to community welfare and national development.
The outreach programme offered a wide array of services, including general medical consultations, screenings for chronic diseases and various cancers, eye examinations, and provision of essential medication, all at no cost to the beneficiaries. This brought much-needed quality healthcare to families in Mutambara who often face significant barriers to accessing such services.
Delivered in collaboration with ZimSmart Villages and supported by Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya, the medical drive reflects a shared vision to ensure that developmental benefits reach all communities, irrespective of their geographical location.
Dr. Mangudya lauded NetOne’s decision to commemorate its milestone through an investment in public health, stating, “NetOne’s commitment to the health of our people demonstrates responsible corporate leadership and directly contributes to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 aspirations.”
The impact of the outreach was immediately evident. Elderly citizens patiently awaited routine health checks, young mothers sought advice for their children, and men participated in prostate cancer screenings. Healthcare professionals worked tirelessly to attend to every patient, ensuring thorough and compassionate care.
For many beneficiaries, the programme offered more than just free treatment; it instilled a renewed sense of hope and confidence in the accessibility of meaningful development. One resident expressed, “I came expecting only a blood pressure check. I am leaving with medication, professional medical advice, and peace of mind. This programme has truly made a difference in our lives.”
Another beneficiary echoed this sentiment, remarking, “We often hear promises of development, but today, we experienced it firsthand. NetOne has shown us that celebrating success also means sharing that success with the communities that have supported them.”
Eng. Raphael Mushanawani, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, emphasized that the anniversary signifies a celebration of service, partnership, and national progress. “For three decades, NetOne has been instrumental in connecting Zimbabweans through technology. As we embark on our fourth decade, our responsibility extends beyond communication services. We are dedicated to creating solutions that enhance lives, strengthen communities, and contribute to a prosperous Zimbabwe. This medical outreach embodies that purpose and the legacy we aim to build,” he stated.
Mr. Ernest Magadzire, NetOne Spokesperson, explained the strategic choice of healthcare as a focus area. “At NetOne, we believe that connectivity is not an end in itself, but a powerful platform for transformation. A truly connected nation ensures its citizens have access not only to communication but also to opportunities, essential services, and an improved quality of life. Our investment in health reflects this belief, as healthy communities form the bedrock for digital inclusion, economic participation, and sustainable national development.”
Magadzire further highlighted that the outreach aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2, and NetOne’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda. He concluded, “Corporate Social Responsibility is no longer about sporadic acts of goodwill. It is about integrating social impact into our core business strategy. Every empowered community becomes a vital part of Zimbabwe’s development narrative, and every improved life strengthens the future we are collectively building.”
As the medical outreach concluded, beneficiaries departed not only with medical provisions but also with renewed optimism. NetOne’s 30th-anniversary celebration transcended a mere corporate milestone, reaffirming its profound commitment to measuring success not just by its technological networks, but by the tangible improvements in the lives of Zimbabweans.
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