By 
*By Ross Moyo*
NetOne has rolled out a nationwide “Say No To Drugs” campaign, using its voice, data and connectivity platforms to drive anti-drug awareness among Zimbabwean youth and vulnerable communities.
“Drugs destroy dreams, break families and steal futures. Don’t let drugs control your life,” NetOne Public Relations Spokesperson Ernest Magadzire said as the state-owned operator unveiled the campaign across digital and community channels this week.
The campaign centers on the message “Choose Life. Choose a Better Tomorrow” and is anchored on four pillars: Believe in yourself and your dreams, Choose friends who build you up, Focus on your education and goals, Respect your body and your future. NetOne said the framework was designed to give young people practical choices, not just warnings.
Magadzire noted that the campaign will leverage NetOne’s reach in voice, data, mobile money and connectivity to push awareness content, SMS advisories, and USSD-based resources. “Your future is in your hands. Say No To Drugs. Say Yes To Life,” he emphasized, tying personal agency to public health outcomes.
The operator is working with schools, community leaders and NGOs to amplify messaging in high-density suburbs, rural areas and tertiary institutions where drug abuse cases have spiked. NetOne teams will also conduct on-the-ground engagements combining digital literacy with anti-drug education.
Beyond awareness, NetOne said it will use its mobile money and data platforms to signpost support services for those seeking help. The goal is to reduce stigma and connect affected individuals to counselling, rehabilitation and community support structures.
Magadzire linked the campaign to Vision 2030 and national development goals. “Together, let’s build a drug-free Zimbabwe,” he said. A productive, healthy youth population is critical if Zimbabwe is to achieve its economic targets, he added.
The campaign also addresses child online safety, a priority under the Ministry of ICT’s new policy. NetOne said digital platforms must not become channels for drug promotion, and parents, schools and tech companies must share responsibility for protecting minors.
NetOne’s corporate social responsibility mandate is driving the rollout. “NetOne cares. NetOne supports a healthier, safer and stronger community,” Magadzire stated. The operator argues that connectivity without social responsibility is incomplete.
The campaign will run through 2026 with phased activations, partnerships and measurable impact reporting. NetOne called on corporates, government and citizens to join the movement and ensure Zimbabwe’s youth inherit opportunity, not addiction.
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