Takes campaign to Tsholotsho
By Conrad Mwanawashe
“Government is deeply concerned about the increase in drug and substance abuse, especially among the youth. Measures to tame the scourge by strengthening relevant institutions for effective coordination and programming of activities, will be instituted,” this is an extract from President ED Mnangagwa’s speech at the official opening of the First Session of the Tenth Parliament of Zimbabwe.
In line with President Mnangagwa’s call, NetOne, the leading mobile network operator, has taken the lead the fight against drugs and substance abuse as it seeks lasting impact infight against the scourge.
NetOne, known for more than just its wide network coverage, has been actively involved in various community initiatives with a focus on making a positive impact under their theme hashtag #ImpactingLives.
The company’s latest initiative involves an Anti-Drug campaign in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North, held last Friday with a similar project having been held in Chikomba district, Mashonaland East early last month.
The initiative will be spread across all provinces, and will be cascaded to districts as NetOne aims at aiding government in developing a drug-free country.
Government recently launched an Anti-Drug campaign under the theme “The Strength is in You”, which is being implemented by Population Solutions for Health (PSH) to raise awareness on the effects of Drug and Substance Abuse (DSA) while supporting those in need of rehabilitation in supper of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drugs and Substance Abuse.
“We decided to be here in Tsholotsho to join hands with the community as we celebrate the life of the late legendary leader, John Landa Nkomo. We are also here to carry forward his vision of a healthier, stronger and more united Zimbabwe,” NetOne Chief Commercial Officer, Learnmore Musunda, said.
“Tsholotsho, a community with its own unique charm and challenges, serves as one of the backdrops for NetOne’s Anti-Drug campaign. The campaign aims to address the issue of substance abuse within this community in a meaningful and impactful way. To our youth, I urge you to make wise choices- choices that will lead to a brighter future. Together we can eradicate this social vice,” said Musunda.
NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, said the objective of NetOne’s Anti-Drug campaign is to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and empower the community to make healthier choices.
“The vision is to create a drug-free and thriving community in the the country. To achieve its goals, the campaign employs a multi-faceted approach that includes educational initiatives, community engagement, and support services for those affected by drug abuse. By combining these strategies, NetOne aims to make a lasting impact in the fight against drug abuse. My team is more than capable of tackling this challenge head-on and contribute to the same effort by the government of the republic of Zimbabwe,” said Eng Mushanawani.
NetOne’s Anti-Drug, which came with a generous donation of sports kits, in line with the President’s “Leaving No One and No Place Behind” mantra, brought together a community in a unified effort to combat substance abuse and promote healthy activities among youth.
Vice President, Kembo Mohadi, graced the event which was also a commemoration of the life of national liberation hero, John Landa Nkomo.
Tatenda Makumborenga, said NetOne, as a socially responsible entity, has taken a step further in addressing these social ills as evidenced by the donation of sports kits.
The kits are aimed at promoting a healthy and active lifestyle among the youth as well as creating social activities that reduce the time available for the youths to have idle minds and engage in activities that lead to the destroying the social and moral fibre.
The sports kits are for young athletes and sports enthusiasts in Tsholotsho, who will now have access to quality equipment to pursue their passion for sports.
