By Spotlight Correspondent

In a heartwarming demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Zimbabwe’s leading mobile network operator NetOne is set to bring festive cheer to Matthew Rusike Children’s Home in Mzingwane, Matabeleland South Province, through their Christmas Cheers initiative.

The event, which will see NetOne executives and team members spending a full day with orphaned children at the facility, underscores the company’s commitment to community development and social inclusion.

Speaking about the initiative, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, emphasized the company’s alignment with national development goals. “This outreach program directly supports the objectives outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), particularly in addressing social protection and human capital development,” said Eng. Mushanawani. “Furthermore, it advances several Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 on poverty elimination and SDG 10 on reducing inequalities within our communities.”

The donation, comprising substantial Christmas hampers filled with essential groceries, aims to ensure the children enjoy a memorable festive season. Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Learnmore Musunda highlighted the significance of the company’s community engagement: “At NetOne, we believe in creating meaningful connections beyond just telecommunications. Spending time with these children and sharing a meal with them represents our commitment to building stronger communities.”

Mr. Musunda also noted the company’s broader initiatives to make telecommunications more accessible: “Our Dollar A Day bundles exemplify our commitment to ensuring every Zimbabwean has access to affordable communications. These USD-denominated packages offer extensive talk time benefits, allowing people to stay connected with their loved ones at reasonable rates.”

Honorable Levi Mayihlome, the local constituency representative, commended NetOne’s initiative: “The corporate sector’s involvement in uplifting vulnerable members of our society is crucial for sustainable development. NetOne’s gesture today demonstrates the kind of private-public partnership that can transform lives in our communities. This children’s home has been a sanctuary for many, and such support helps ensure its continued service to those in need.”

The event will feature a shared lunch between NetOne staff and the children, creating an opportunity for meaningful interaction and bringing joy to the young residents of Matthew Rusike Children’s Home. This initiative is part of NetOne’s broader corporate social responsibility program, which focuses on making a positive impact in communities across Zimbabwe.

The mobile operator’s commitment to social causes continues to strengthen its position not just as a telecommunications leader, but as a responsible corporate citizen invested in the wellbeing of vulnerable Zimbabweans.