Harare’s streets were bustling with activity in the early hours of Friday with thousands of NetOne and Harare City workers came together using brooms to respond to President Mnangagwa’s demand to make Zimbabwe a better place.
In the context of the National Cleanup Day initiative–observed every one Friday in the month –the groups set off to clean up Harare, one block at a time.
The clean-up began in NetOne. NetOne car park. Then, it swung across Luck Street, Kaguvi Street, Jason Moyo Avenue, Rotten Row, and finally Samora Machel Avenue towards the Showgrounds.
The enthusiasm was infectious, the teams dumped bags of trash, cleaned sidewalks and expressed a sense of satisfaction with their efforts.
People who passed by and vendors from the area applauded the volunteers, while some joined at will, which is a positive sign of increasing people’s awareness of the need to protect our environment.
The campaign wasn’t limited to Harare.
NetOne’s offices at Chinhoyi and Bindura, as well and proved that the desire for cleaner Zimbabwe goes beyond Harare’s capital. From municipal staff to corporate employees The message was simple that keeping our cities clean is the responsibility of everyone.
In a post, NetOne Group CEO Engineer Raphael Mushanawani sent a strong message via the company’s Public Relations team, reaffirming the commitment of company to sustainable development. “NetOne is much more than an internet service provider. We are an integral part of the nation’s building process”. “Initiatives like these match those of the Sustainable Development Goals and Vision 203.0. We will keep supporting efforts of the government to create a healthier and cleaner world.”
The words of the CEO emphasized NetOne’s position as a leader for corporate social responsibility. This demonstrates the true meaning of impact is not just about the business realm. It’s about making an impact in the areas that matter most.
Apart from the actual cleanup, the event also served as an opportunity for community education and engagement.
Harare City representatives took the occasion to talk with local people and owners of businesses on proper waste disposal practices and the significance of keeping cleanliness in public areas.
“This isn’t about just cleaning every month”, said one official from the council.
“It’s about changing the way we behave and establishing a positive culture in which each citizen is accountable for their own environment.”
NetOne volunteers agreed with this statement, with informational materials and urging sustainable practices to go beyond just the day of cleanup.
It’s the National Cleanup Day is more than a simple event that happens every month. It’s an ever-growing movement that is shifting attitudes and behaviors all over Zimbabwe.
With the help of partners such as NetOne and Harare City Council, Harare City Council setting the speed, the dream of a nation that is litter-free is slowly becoming a the reality.
When the day ended and the streets were ablaze, they were a testimony to the possibilities that can be realised by bringing together institutions and communities. What’s next? Maintaining the momentum, not just during cleanup days, but all day.
