Business Reporter
Zimbabwe’s efforts to combat drug and substance abuse have gained fresh momentum, with NetOne taking a leading role in this critical national cause.
As more than just a telecommunications company, NetOne has positioned itself as a powerful nation-builder, focusing on the country’s most valuable asset—its youth.
The recent Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Sports Gala, held at Garwe Stadium in Chikomba West, vividly illustrated how sport, leadership, technology, and collective national willpower can come together to fight the growing threat that is ravaging young lives.
The event drew key national figures, including the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Lieutenant General (Retired) Ambassador A. Sanyatwe; the Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. Tatenda Mavetera, MP; and the Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon. O. Ndudzo. Their presence highlighted the urgency behind President Cde. Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s national call: Zimbabwe must protect its youth and say no to drugs. The gala was more than a reflection of this call—it actively brought it to life.
NetOne’s role in the initiative went beyond just a symbolic gesture; it was a deliberate and strategic effort aligned with the company’s broader mission as a digital enabler. Recognizing that drug and substance abuse is not only a social challenge but a national crisis, NetOne has committed to addressing the issue at its roots—within communities, through youth-focused programs, and crucially, by harnessing the power of technology.
Sport played a central role at the Chikomba West event, underscoring the importance of discipline, teamwork, and physical engagement in redirecting young people’s energy from harmful substances to positive pursuits. What set this event apart was the seamless blend of sport and technology. NetOne is using its extensive mobile network and social media platforms to distribute critical educational content on drug abuse, share real-life stories, and inspire behavioral change. This technology-driven approach ensures that young people are not only informed but also remain connected to positive influences in their lives.
In his address, NetOne’s Group CEO, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, articulated the company’s vision:
“Connectivity alone is not enough. Our towers, fibre networks, and broadband must serve as channels of empowerment—providing education, awareness, and inspiration. We want our networks to act as a defense line, helping to keep young people informed and engaged with a brighter, drug-free future.”
This forward-thinking approach is reshaping how the country addresses youth empowerment. Digital campaigns are now reaching schools, rural villages, and urban areas alike. Awareness videos spread across platforms in real-time, and motivational content circulates faster than the drugs that threaten the youth. Through this technological ecosystem, NetOne is demonstrating that when technology is strategically leveraged, it can help shift a generation’s mindset and protect them from harmful influences.
NetOne’s involvement reflects its broader commitment to health, education, and empowerment, marking its evolution from a telecommunications provider into a key player in Zimbabwe’s national development. The company’s integrated approach combines sport, ICT, and community engagement, providing a holistic intervention that nurtures the mind, body, and environment of young people. This method, which bridges multiple sectors, ensures long-term sustainability and relevance.
The Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Sports Gala was more than just an event—it was a bold national statement that Zimbabwe is committed to fighting back against drug abuse with unity, innovation, and purpose. NetOne stands at the center of this movement, fully engaged in the fight, not standing apart from the issue, but leading it with visibility and responsibility. The company has embraced its role in safeguarding the youth—through technology that informs, through sports that strengthen, and through community initiatives that inspire.
As Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030, the protection of the youth remains paramount. NetOne is rising to meet this challenge, using its vast digital infrastructure as a safeguard against the drug epidemic and ensuring that young people never have to face these dangers alone. The message is clear: a connected youth is an empowered youth, and an empowered youth is far harder to break.
Through every tower erected, every awareness campaign launched, every sports program supported, and every community engaged, NetOne is demonstrating that the defense of a generation is more than a campaign—it’s a national mission that the company is determined to lead.
