Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
STATE-OWNED mobile telecommunications company NetOne, in partnership with Heal Us Zimbabwe, has launched a 23-day walkathon from Beitbridge to Harare as part of efforts to raise awareness on drug and substance abuse and promote rehabilitation among youths.
The walkathon, which started on Friday, will end on July 19, 2026, under the theme “Together We Rise, United We Heal”, and seeks to mobilise communities to join the fight against drug and substance abuse.
Speaking at the launch in Beitbridge, NetOne Group chief executive officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani said defeating the drug scourge required collaboration between Government, the private sector, civil society and communities.
“We are running towards a future where our youth reject substance abuse. As NetOne, we are honoured to play a central role in this revolution. But we cannot do it alone,” he said.
“Heal Us Zimbabwe brings the lived experience, the frontline truth and the human face of recovery. That is why this partnership matters.”
Eng Mushanawani said NetOne was using its national footprint and digital platforms to complement ongoing Government initiatives aimed at curbing drug and substance abuse.
“NetOne believes that connectivity is not only about technology but also about connecting people to opportunities, hope and a better future. Heal Us Zimbabwe connects us to the ground reality,” he said.
“They tell us what works, what hurts and what gives young people a reason to choose life. Our job is to amplify that voice across our entire network — voice, data, mobile money and internet services.”
Eng Mushanawani said the partnership would also leverage technology to provide awareness, counselling support and connect vulnerable youths to rehabilitation services.
“The same technology that distracts can also rehabilitate and educate — and NetOne is determined to be part of that solution. Heal Us Zimbabwe shows us where the need is greatest. Together, we are turning connectivity into a lifeline,” he said.
Engineer Mushanawani said tackling drug and substance abuse was critical to achieving the country’s Vision 2030 aspirations.
“A productive, healthy youth population is critical if Zimbabwe is to achieve its economic targets,” he said.
“This partnership is not just about saving lives today — it is about securing the nation’s future.”
Founded by recovering addict Mr Columbus Tapiwa Mushore, Heal Us Zimbabwe has been working with communities to support rehabilitation and reintegration of people affected by drug and substance abuse.
The walkathon, which covers more than 500 kilometres, also includes community awareness campaigns, counselling sessions and testimonies from recovering addicts at various stopovers along the route.
Government has identified drug and substance abuse as one of the country’s major social challenges, particularly among youths, and has called for a whole-of-society approach to combat the scourge through prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and law enforcement.
