By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
MUTAMBARA, Chimanimani East — For many families in Mutambara, Wednesday was not just another day. It was the day healthcare came home.
Before dawn, hundreds of residents had already gathered, patiently waiting for an opportunity many never imagined would come to their community—a chance to consult qualified medical professionals, undergo life-saving health screenings and receive medication without paying a single dollar.
As NetOne celebrated its 30th anniversary, the company chose to honour the milestone not with pomp and ceremony, but by restoring hope where it was needed most. Through its OneHealth Medical Outreach, delivered in partnership with ZimSmart Villages, the company transformed an ordinary community gathering into a powerful demonstration of compassion, service and shared responsibility.
The outreach was held at a venue made available through the support of Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya, who commended NetOne for choosing to celebrate its milestone by improving the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans.
Dr. Mangudya said organisations entrusted with serving the nation should always ensure that their success is reflected in the well-being of the communities they serve, describing the medical outreach as a meaningful investment in Zimbabwe’s future.
Throughout the day, healthcare professionals moved from patient to patient with remarkable dedication. Blood pressure machines continued to beep. Diabetes tests were conducted. Eye examinations restored confidence. Cancer screenings offered early detection. Every consultation represented another life touched.
For 72-year-old Mrs. Sarah Mutsvangwa, the outreach meant far more than a routine medical examination.
“I have been postponing going to hospital because transport costs are expensive. Today the doctors came to us. I have received medication and advice that gives me hope. I sincerely thank NetOne.”
Nearby, Mr. Zachariah Madziro waited patiently after collecting his medication.
“We usually associate mobile network companies with airtime and internet. Today NetOne has shown us another side of leadership. They have invested in our health, and that is something this community will never forget.”
The appreciation extended beyond individual beneficiaries. Village leaders, community volunteers and healthcare workers described the programme as one of the most impactful outreach initiatives to reach Mutambara in recent years.
NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Raphael Mushanawani, said celebrating thirty years of service carries a responsibility to continue creating lasting value for Zimbabweans.
“Our greatest achievement is not simply the network we have built over the past three decades. It is the lives we continue to touch. Every community we empower and every person we serve strengthens the legacy of NetOne as a company that exists to improve the lives of Zimbabweans.”
NetOne Spokesperson, Mr. Ernest Magadzire, said the overwhelming response from the community reaffirmed the company’s belief that development must always begin with people.
“Today we have witnessed something truly special. We have seen relief on the faces of elderly citizens, gratitude from mothers, renewed hope among families and appreciation from an entire community. Moments like these remind us that our responsibility extends beyond connecting phones—we are connecting people to better health, dignity and opportunity. That is the true meaning of celebrating thirty years of service.”
Magadzire said the outreach demonstrates NetOne’s commitment to supporting the Government’s Vision 2030, advancing the National Development Strategy 2 and delivering on the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance commitments through initiatives that produce measurable social impact.
As the sun began to set over Mutambara, patients slowly made their way home carrying medication in their hands and hope in their hearts.
For many, the outreach will be remembered as the day healthcare became accessible.
For NetOne, it will be remembered as another reminder that the strongest connections are built not only through technology, but through compassion, service and an unwavering commitment to the people of Zimbabwe.