By Fanuel Chinowaita
Zimbabwe – May 3, 2025* – The vibrant streets of Harare became a scene of unity and determination early Friday as hundreds of workers from NetOne and Harare City teamed up with brooms in hand, responding to President Mnangagwa’s call for a cleaner nation.
The initiative was part of the National Cleanup Day, observed on the first Friday of each month, aimed at transforming the urban landscape, one street at a time.
Starting from the NetOne car park, the cleanup participants marched through key streets including Luck Street, Kaguvi Street, Jason Moyo Avenue, Rotten Row, and finally Samora Machel Avenue, culminating at the Showgrounds.
The energizing atmosphere saw volunteers filling bags with litter, sweeping sidewalks, and beaming with pride in their collective mission. Passersby and local vendors cheered on the enthusiastic teams, with some even joining spontaneously, highlighting a growing public commitment to environmental stewardship.
The cleanup, however, was not limited to Harare alone—NetOne offices in Chinhoyi and Bindura also engaged in similar efforts, demonstrating that the drive for a cleaner Zimbabwe extends far beyond the capital. From corporate employees to municipal workers, a clear message resonated: maintaining clean cities is a shared responsibility among all citizens.
In a statement released by NetOne Group CEO Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, the company reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability. “NetOne is more than just a mobile network—we are a partner in nation-building. Initiatives like these align with the Sustainable Development Goals and Vision 2030, and we will continue supporting the government’s efforts toward a cleaner, healthier environment.”
Mushanawani’s message underscored NetOne’s role as a leader in corporate social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of making a meaningful difference in the community.
The cleanup day also served as an essential platform for community education and engagement. Representatives from Harare City engaged with residents and business owners, discussing proper waste disposal methods and the importance of maintaining clean public spaces.
One city council official remarked, “This isn’t just about cleaning up once a month; it’s about changing behaviors and creating a culture where every citizen takes ownership of their environment.”
NetOne volunteers echoed this message by distributing informational pamphlets and promoting sustainable practices that extend beyond the cleanup day, reinforcing a culture of environmental consciousness.
The National Cleanup Day represents more than a routine event; it embodies a growing movement aimed at transforming mindsets and habits throughout Zimbabwe. With organizations like NetOne and the Harare City Council at the forefront, the vision of a litter-free nation is steadily coming into focus.
As the day drew to a close, the freshly cleaned streets stood as a testament to what can be accomplished when communities and institutions work together. The ongoing challenge remains: maintaining this momentum not just on cleanup days, but every single day.