STAFF WRITER
BEITBRIDGE-NetOne Cellular this Saturday (21 June 2025) marked a milestone in its corporate social responsibility program with the successful *Run For Hope* anti-drug marathon and official handover of the renovated Mtetengwe Secondary School, graced by the Vice President Retired Colonel. Kembo Mohadi.
The dual event combined sports advocacy with education development, drawing over 500 participants to the marathon while showcasing NetOne’s investment in school infrastructure. The Vice President commended NetOne for its “practical demonstration of private sector commitment to national development
The half “Run For Hope” marathon saw athletes, students, and community members racing through Beitbridge’s scenic routes, with winners receiving medals sponsored by NetOne. The event doubled as an anti-drug abuse campaign, featuring motivational talks from health experts and reformed youth ambassadors.
“Through this marathon, we’re running towards a future where our youth reject substance abuse,” said NetOne Group CEO Engineer Raphael Mushanawani during his opening address. “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’ve renovated classrooms, installed a solar-powered borehole, nutritional garden, state-of-the-art computer laboratory, introducing rural learners to the global digital village”, continues Eng. Mushanawani.
The Vice President later cut the ribbon to open:
– A fully renovated school block with 8 new classrooms
– A 40-computer digital lab with solar power backup
– A nutritional garden producing vegetables for the school’s feeding scheme
– A borehole providing clean water to the community
In his speech, Vice President Mohadi thanked NetOne and other corporates for their selfless devotion to national development.
“Education is the bedrock of our nation’s development and the renovations we inaugurate today are an evidence of our shared commitment to providing our children with the best possible learning environment. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to NetOne and other corporates for their generous investment in our community and their commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility.”
The event was also graced by the minister of Defence Oppah Muchinguri who echoed her sentiments about the worrisome vile of drunk 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.”
“With the ICT lab, our student learners will benefit from acquiring digital skills that will contribute to the nation’s growth, “says Mtetengwe Primary School Head, Mr Ncube. He also noted that enrollment is projected to increase by 30% following the upgrades. “Our students now have facilities rivaling urban schools,” he said, demonstrating the computer lab where Grade 7 learners were already practicing coding.
