By 
By Ross Moyo
NetOne marked its 30th anniversary by providing free healthcare to hundreds of villagers through a OneHealth Medical Outreach this week during commemorations of three decades of operation in Mutambara, Chimanimani East. This is Mutapa Investment Fund CEO Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya’s rural home where the Telcos showed up to invest in lasting social value rather than limit celebrations to ceremonies by offering medical consultations, chronic disease screening, cancer screening, eye examinations and medication at no cost, in partnership with ZimSmart Villages and supported by the Mutapa boss Dr. Mangudya.
When many organisations mark major milestones by looking inward at corporate achievements, NetOne chose to look outward to the communities that have sustained it for 30 years, company officials said.
Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya, Chief Executive Officer of the Mutapa Investment Fund, commended the mobile network operator for “celebrating its milestone in a manner that creates lasting social value,” saying the investment in people’s health demonstrates responsible corporate leadership and contributes directly to Zimbabwe’s development aspirations.
Across the outreach venue, the impact was visible. Elderly citizens queued for routine health assessments, young mothers sought medical advice for their families, and men accessed prostate cancer screening services while healthcare professionals worked to ensure every patient received attention.
Beneficiaries said the programme delivered more than free treatment. “I came expecting to have my blood pressure checked,” said one resident. “I am leaving with medication, professional medical advice and peace of mind. This programme has made a real difference in our lives.”
Another beneficiary added: “We often hear that development is coming, but today we experienced it. NetOne has shown us that celebrating success also means sharing that success with communities.”
NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Eng. Raphael Mushanawani said the anniversary is a celebration of service, partnership and national progress. “For thirty years, NetOne has connected Zimbabweans through technology. As we enter our fourth decade, our responsibility extends beyond providing communication services. We must continue creating solutions that improve lives, strengthen communities and contribute to building a prosperous Zimbabwe. That is the purpose behind this medical outreach and the legacy we aspire to leave.”
NetOne Spokesperson Ernest Magadzire said healthcare was deliberately chosen because meaningful connectivity must address communities’ most urgent needs. 
“At NetOne, we believe that connectivity is not an end in itself — it is a platform for transformation. A truly connected nation is one where people have access not only to communication, but also to opportunities, essential services and a better quality of life. That is why, as we celebrate thirty years, we chose to invest in health, because healthy communities are the foundation upon which digital inclusion, economic participation and sustainable national development are built.”
Magadzire said the outreach aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 and NetOne’s Environmental, Social and Governance agenda, proving that corporate social responsibility must be embedded into business strategy. “Every community we empower becomes part of Zimbabwe’s development story, and every life we improve strengthens the future we are collectively building.” As the outreach concluded, beneficiaries left with medication and renewed hope. For NetOne, the 30-year milestone became a reaffirmation that its greatest achievement is measured not only by networks built, but by lives transformed — ensuring no place and no one is left behind.
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