By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
MUTAMBARA, Chimanimani East — What began as a celebration of NetOne’s 30th anniversary became a celebration of life itself, as hundreds of residents from Mutambara and surrounding communities received free medical services through a OneHealth Medical Outreach that brought quality healthcare directly to their doorstep.
In a fitting demonstration of its commitment to creating shared value, NetOne chose to commemorate three decades of connecting Zimbabweans by investing in what matters most—the health and well-being of the communities it serves.
The outreach, technically powered by ZimSmart Villages, provided free medical consultations, chronic disease screening, cancer screening, eye examinations and medication, easing a burden that many families in rural Zimbabwe face every day.
The programme was hosted at a venue generously availed by Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya, whose support reflected the importance of partnerships that place people at the centre of development. Touring the outreach and interacting with beneficiaries, Dr. Mangudya applauded NetOne for celebrating its 30th anniversary through an initiative that delivers tangible value to ordinary Zimbabweans.
He commended the mobile network operator for demonstrating that 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 described the medical outreach as a practical example of responsible corporate citizenship and encouraged continued collaboration between business, government and development partners in improving the quality of life of Zimbabweans.
For many residents, the outreach was more than a healthcare programme—it was an answer to challenges they face daily. 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 on the significance of the initiative, 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.”
NetOne Spokesperson, Mr Ernest Magadzire, said the outreach demonstrates the company’s unwavering 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. That is why we continue investing in initiatives that directly support the health and well-being of our people. Healthy communities are productive communities, and productive communities are essential to Zimbabwe’s journey towards Vision 2030.”
Magadzire said the medical outreach reflects NetOne’s commitment to the National Development Strategy 2, particularly the Social Development pillar, while advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being.
“This initiative is a practical demonstration of our Environmental, Social and Governance commitments. It also embodies His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no place and no one behind. Through strategic partnerships, we are ensuring that innovation serves humanity and that corporate citizenship delivers measurable impact where it is needed most.”
Throughout the day, healthcare professionals worked tirelessly to attend to patients, while volunteers guided beneficiaries through various service points with efficiency and compassion.
The atmosphere was filled with appreciation, optimism and renewed hope as community members acknowledged the difference that accessible healthcare can make in transforming lives.
As NetOne enters its fourth decade of service, the company 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.
The success of the Mutambara medical outreach served as a powerful reminder that while technology connects people, compassion transforms lives. For the people of Chimanimani East, 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.