Mangudya Hails NetOne’s 30-Year Celebration: “Corporate Success Must Be Measured By Impact On Lives”

By Ross Moyo

Mutapa Investment Fund Chief Executive Officer Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya has lauded NetOne’s 30th anniversary free medical outreach during the NetOne OneHealth Medical Outreach held this week in Mutambara, Chimanimani East saying corporate success must be measured by impact on people’s lives. Mutapa whose wings NetOne is one of the many State entities under saw its boss praising the Telcos for walking this talk by providing free specialist healthcare services to hundreds of rural residents.

Dr. Mangudya said NetOne’s decision to mark three decades of operation by delivering healthcare instead of hosting banquets is “a model worthy of recognition” and proof that national development accelerates when business success is matched by community investment.

The outreach, technically powered by ZimSmart Villages, drew hundreds of villagers who accessed free medical consultations, chronic disease screening, cancer screening, eye examinations and medication — services rarely available in the remote area.

“This is exactly the kind of impact that strengthens communities and contributes to national development,” Dr. Mangudya said. “When institutions invest in the health and well-being of citizens, they are investing in Zimbabwe’s future.”

Beneficiaries described the programme as one of the most impactful interventions in Mutambara in recent years. Mrs. Lucia Mlambo said she travelled expecting only a consultation but left with medication, health education and reassurance from qualified professionals. “Many of us cannot afford these services,” she said.

Resident Zachariah Madziro said NetOne’s approach gave the anniversary deeper meaning. “Thirty years is worth celebrating, but celebrating by helping people is even more meaningful. Today NetOne has shown that success should be shared with the communities that support it.”

NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Eng. Raphael Mushanawani said the company’s milestone is a moment to reflect on responsibility. “Over the past thirty years, NetOne has evolved alongside Zimbabwe. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to creating value that extends beyond telecommunications. We believe that the strongest networks are those that improve lives, strengthen communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

NetOne Spokesperson Ernest Magadzire said the company’s growth cannot be separated from community prosperity. “NetOne’s story has never been about infrastructure alone. It has always been about people. Every base station we build, every community we connect and every social investment we make is guided by one principle — that our growth must create opportunities and improve lives. This medical outreach reflects who we are as an organisation and what we stand for as we celebrate thirty years of service.”

Magadzire added that the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 and NetOne’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework by building healthier, more resilient communities able to participate in digital and economic transformation. Healthcare professionals at the outreach noted high uptake of preventive screening services that could detect illnesses early. Dr. Mangudya concluded that the Mutambara outreach shows what modern corporate leadership should look like — “a company using its success to uplift communities, strengthen national development and leave a lasting legacy of service.”