NetOne Commissions Renovated Mtetengwe School, Hosts Anti-Drug Marathon in Beitbridge

By Fanuel Chinowaita

Beitbridge, 23 June 2025 – NetOne Cellular on Saturday reaffirmed its commitment to national development through corporate social responsibility initiatives by officially handing over newly renovated infrastructure at Mtetengwe Secondary School and hosting the inaugural “Run For Hope” anti-drug marathon.

The high-profile event, which drew over 500 marathon participants, was presided over by Vice President Retired Colonel Kembo Mohadi, who praised the telecoms company for its investment in education and youth empowerment.

“This is a practical demonstration of private sector commitment to national development,” said Vice President Mohadi during the commissioning ceremony. He officially unveiled a fully refurbished school block, a 40-computer digital lab powered by solar energy, a borehole, and a nutritional garden set to support the school’s feeding scheme.

NetOne Group CEO, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, said the initiative marks a significant contribution toward creating resilient and future-ready communities.

“Our interventions here at Mtetengwe are not symbolic—they are substantive,” said Eng. Mushanawani. “We are equipping rural learners with tools to access the global digital village while addressing critical social challenges such as drug abuse.”

The half-marathon event, themed “Run For Hope,” doubled as a community-wide campaign against substance abuse. It attracted local athletes, students, and residents, and featured motivational talks from health experts and reformed drug users.

Minister of Defence and ZANU PF National Chairperson, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, also attended the event and stressed the urgency of tackling drug abuse across all sectors of society.

“Drug abuse is not just a national crisis—it’s a household and community problem that demands joint efforts from parents, churches, community leaders, and government,” she said.

Mtetengwe Primary School Headmaster, Mr. Ncube, hailed NetOne’s investment, revealing that school enrollment is projected to rise by 30% due to the improved facilities.

“Our learners now have access to ICT tools that rival those in urban schools. They are already learning coding in the new computer lab,” said Mr. Ncube.

The developments in Mtetengwe form part of NetOne’s broader CSR agenda, targeting education, health, and youth empowerment as key pillars for long-term national transformation.

Event in Pics….

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