In a landmark corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative over the weekend, state-owned mobile operator NetOne Zimbabwe merged an anti-drug marathon with the commissioning of a fully refurbished rural secondary school in Mtetengwe, Beitbridge.
Dubbed Run for Hope, the dual event drew more than 500 participants with guest of honor Vice-President Kembo Mohadi describing the initiative as “a practical demonstration of private sector commitment to national development.”The half-marathon that cut through Beitbridge’s rural terrain attracted athletes, students as well and residents from across Matabeleland South province, and culminated in a specialist-led community dialogue on the country’s deepening substance abuse crisis.
“Through this marathon, we are running towards a future where our youth reject substance abuse,” NetOne Group chief executive officer Raphael Mushanawani said.“As NetOne, we are honoured to play a central role in this revolution. Our interventions here at Mtetengwe are not symbolic — they are substantive. We have renovated classrooms, installed a solar-powered borehole, nutritional garden, state-of-the-art computer laboratory, introducing rural learners to the global digital village.”
The second leg of the programme saw Mohadi officially commission upgraded infrastructure at Mtetengwe Secondary School that included an eight-roomed classroom block, a solar-powered ICT lab equipped with 40 computers, a borehole to provide clean water, and a nutritional garden to support the school feeding programme.“These upgrades are evidence of our shared commitment to providing a dignified learning environment,” said Mohadi.Also in attendance was Defence Minister and Zanu PF national chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri, who stressed the importance of a united response to drug abuse.
“This drug problem is not only a national issue but a household and community issue that needs an all stakeholders approach in tackling. Parents, community leaders, churches are all responsible for creating a drug free nation,” she said.The event forms part of a broader push among Zimbabwean corporates to shift CSR from sporadic charity to more focused, development-led interventions — particularly in neglected rural areas.Meanwhile, NetOne’s model, combining youth health advocacy with investment in education infrastructure, is being held up as an example of how the private sector can drive long-term social impact beyond urban centres.
