By 
By Ross Moyo
NetOne marked its 30th anniversary by delivering free specialist healthcare to hundreds of villagers through its OneHealth Medical Outreach held yesterday on Wednesday in Mutambara, Chimanimani East. This was to honour the milestone by restoring health and hope where it was needed most by providing consultations, chronic disease screening, cancer screening, eye exams and medication at no cost, in partnership with ZimSmart Villages and supported by Dr. John Panonetsa Mangudya, the Mutapa Investment Fund CEO.
Before dawn, hundreds of residents were already queuing for an opportunity many never imagined would reach their community — a chance to consult qualified medical professionals and receive medication without paying a single dollar.
NetOne chose to celebrate three decades not with pomp and ceremony, but by transforming an ordinary community gathering into what residents called a powerful demonstration of compassion, service and shared responsibility.
The outreach was held at a venue made available through the support of Dr. Mangudya, Chief Executive Officer of the Mutapa Investment Fund, who said organisations entrusted with serving the nation should ensure their success is reflected in the well-being of communities.
“Organisations entrusted with serving the nation should always ensure that their success is reflected in the well-being of the communities they serve,” Dr. Mangudya said, describing the medical outreach as a meaningful investment in Zimbabwe’s future.
Throughout the day, healthcare professionals moved from patient to patient. Blood pressure machines beeped, diabetes tests were conducted, eye examinations restored confidence and cancer screenings offered early detection. Every consultation represented another life touched.
For 72-year-old Mrs. Sarah Mutsvangwa, the outreach meant more than a routine 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,” she said.
Zachariah Madziro, who waited patiently after collecting his medication, said: “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.”
NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer Eng. Raphael Mushanawani said celebrating thirty years carries a responsibility to continue creating lasting value. “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 Ernest Magadzire added that the outreach supports Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy 2 and the company’s ESG commitments. “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.” As the sun set over Mutambara, patients walked home with medication in their hands and hope in their hearts. For many, it was the day healthcare became accessible. For NetOne, it was proof that the strongest connections are built through compassion and service.
Comments