By Edward Makuzva
In a powerful display of community spirit and corporate social responsibility, NetOne and Harare City came together on Friday to champion the National Cleanup Day initiative as an answer to President Mnangagwa’s call for a cleaner nation.
This joint initiative aims to tackle environmental challenges, cleaning the environs as part of broader efforts, and promote a clean, safe and healthy environment in the spirit of cleaning as sustainable practices within the community.
By aligning efforts with the local stakeholders, NetOne will demonstrate its commitment to corporate social responsibility, environmental conservation strives to set an example of responsible corporate citizenship and inspire other corporates to join hands in this cause.
Under the National Cleanup Day initiative—observed every first Friday of the month—the teams set out to transform the city, one street at a time.
The cleanup kicked off at the NetOne car park, winding through Luck Street, Kaguvi Street, Jason Moyo Avenue, Rotten Row, and finally Samora Machel Avenue towards the Showgrounds. The energy was contagious as teams filled bags with litter, swept sidewalks, and shared a sense of pride in their collective effort. Passersby and local vendors cheered on the volunteers, with some even joining in spontaneously—a heartening sign of growing public awareness about environmental responsibility.
The teams worked tirelessly to collect litter, sweep sidewalks, and beautify the city’s public spaces. The event was not limited to Harare, as NetOne offices in Chinhoyi and Bindura also participated, demonstrating the company’s commitment to promoting a cleaner environment across the country.
Speaking on the sidelines of the clean up campaign, NetOne Group CEO, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to sustainability.
“NetOne is more than just a mobile network—we are a partner in nation-building.” This sentiment was echoed by Harare City representatives, who used the opportunity to engage with residents and business owners on the importance of proper waste disposal and maintaining clean public spaces”, Eng Mushanawani explained.
Eng Mushanawani underscored NetOne’s role as a corporate leader in social responsibility, proving that true impact goes beyond business—it’s about making a difference where it matters most.
Beyond the physical cleanup, the event served as an important platform for education and community engagement.
Harare City representatives took the opportunity to speak with residents and business owners about proper waste disposal and the importance of maintaining clean public spaces. “This isn’t just about cleaning up once a month,” remarked one council official.
“It’s about changing behaviors and creating a culture where every citizen takes ownership of their environment.” NetOne volunteers echoed this sentiment, distributing informational pamphlets and encouraging sustainable practices that extend beyond the cleanup day”.
The National Cleanup Day is more than just a monthly event—it’s a growing movement, changing mindsets and habits across Zimbabwe. With partners like NetOne and the Harare City Council setting the pace, the vision of a litter-free nation is steadily becoming reality.
As the day wrapped up, the streets stood as a testament to what can be achieved when communities and institutions unite. The challenge now is to keep the momentum alive—not just on cleanup days, but every day. With partners like NetOne and Harare City setting the pace, the vision of a litter-free nation is steadily becoming a reality.
The National Cleanup Day initiative is more than just a monthly event; it’s a growing movement, changing mindsets and habits across Zimbabwe. By working together, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and future generations.