Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma recently in MATJINGE
STATE owned telecommunications service provider NetOne has brought smiles to the community of Matjinge in Ward 5 in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South province after launching a network tower in the area.
The network tower is part of a number of other models where NetOne has installed its active equipment at towers belonging to TelOne formerly known as PTC.
The tower covers 20 kilometres and uses ZTE hardware.
Speaking at the official opening at Matjinge on Saturday, Netone Group chief executive officer Engineer Raphael Mushanawani who was represented by Netone Southern Regional Manager Miss Gugulethu Mpofu, said the event signals the digital divide there are implementing nationally.
“Today is a historic day for Matjinge, today is a day of inclusion, today is a day of restoration of dignity and today, Bulilima is no longer on the margins of the digital revolution as it is now connected to the heartbeat of modern Zimbabwe.
“Allow me first to sincerely honour and recognize the presence and leadership of the Honourable Deputy Minister of ICTPCS, Hon. Dingumuzi Phuti, a son of this soil, whose unwavering commitment to digital inclusion continues to inspire communities across Zimbabwe. Honourable Deputy Minister, your presence here today is not merely ceremonial — it is a powerful statement that the Second Republic is serious about ensuring that no community and no citizen is left behind,” said Eng Mushanawani.
Eng Mushanawani said as NetOne celebrates 30 years of connecting Zimbabweans, there is no better way to celebrate this milestone than by coming to communities like Matjinge.
“Our success as NetOne is not measured by buildings in Harare, but by the lives we transform in places like Bulilima. For 30 years, NetOne has walked the journey of national development together with the people of Zimbabwe. We have connected cities, growth points, schools, clinics, farmers, businesses, churches and families. Today, we proudly extend that journey to Matjinge.
“This is not just a network tower. This is a bridge of opportunity. This tower means a learner in Matjinge can now access online lessons and compete with the world, a farmer can now receive weather updates and market prices in real time, a young entrepreneur can now market products beyond Bulilim, a nurse at a rural clinic can now communicate faster during emergencies and families separated by distance can now remain connected,” said Eng Mushanawani.
Eng Mushanawani said the launch of such its servuces is how lives are transformed.
“This is how we bridge the digital divide. This is how we build Zimbabwe together. Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, the Government has made it clear that Vision 2030 must reach every village, every ward and every community. Development cannot only belong to urban centres. Development must also be felt here in Matjinge and today, we are witnessing that promise becoming reality.
“This infrastructure does not belong to NetOne alone. It belongs to the people of Matjinge. We are merely custodians and partners in development. This base station is your asset.
It is your child’s future. It is your community’s connection to opportunities. That is why I am making a heartfelt appeal to every citizen gathered here today to protect this infrastructure,” said Eng Mushanawani.
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Bongani Moyo