A bold 23-day walkathon from Beitbridge to Harare has been launched under the banner “Together We Rise, United We Heal”, uniting corporate strength and grassroots resilience in the fight against drug and substance abuse.

The initiative, spearheaded by NetOne and Heal Us Zimbabwe, began on June 27 and will run until July 19, covering more than 500 kilometres across the country. Far more than a march, organisers say it is a national call to action against a crisis that has devastated families, schools, and workplaces.

Statistics show drug use among young Zimbabweans rose from 43% in 2017 to over 57% by 2019, prompting President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare the situation a national emergency. NetOne, Zimbabwe’s state-owned mobile operator, has responded with a sustained campaign that places its partnership with Heal Us Zimbabwe at the centre.

Speaking ahead of the launch, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, said: “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. Heal Us Zimbabwe brings the lived experience, the frontline truth, and the human face of recovery. That is why this partnership matters.”

Heal Us Zimbabwe founder Columbus Tapiwa Mushore, himself a former addict, has dedicated his organisation to reaching young people struggling with addiction. His collaboration with NetOne has transformed the walkathon into a movement that blends awareness with practical support. Along the route, daily marches are accompanied by counselling sessions, testimonies from survivors, and community dialogues.

Engineer Mushanawani highlighted the synergy: “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. Our job is to amplify that voice across our entire network—voice, data, mobile money, and internet services.”

Beyond digital messaging, the campaign has reached schools, youth centres, and communities, breaking stigma and offering rehabilitation pathways. It also ties into Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, with Mushanawani stressing that a healthy, productive youth population is essential for national development.

Now on Day 4 of the march, walkers have been met with encouragement, water, and support from communities along the way. Organisers say this reflects the recovery journey itself—no one overcomes addiction alone.

The campaign’s closing call captures its spirit: “Your future is in your hands. Say No to Drugs. Say Yes to Life.” For NetOne and Heal Us Zimbabwe, those words are not just a slogan but a covenant, signed with every step from Beitbridge to Harare.

Bulawayo – The inaugural NetOne-KidzCan Golf Tournament was held on Friday at the Bulawayo Country Club, bringing together golfers, corporate partners, and community members in support of children living with cancer.

Mr. Chirindo, Head of Enterprise Risk and Loss Control at NetOne, delivered the keynote speech on behalf of Group Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani. He emphasized that the tournament was about more than sport, describing it as a platform to give hope to children battling cancer and to stand with families facing one of life’s most difficult challenges.

“Throughout the day, every drive, every putt and every round played carried a deeper meaning. Each participant, partner and supporter became part of a shared mission to make a difference in the lives of children and families supported by KidzCan,” Mushanawani’s speech noted.

He commended KidzCan for its ongoing work in advocacy, treatment support, awareness, and care for children affected by cancer, highlighting their role in transforming lives and bringing hope to countless families across Zimbabwe.

The NetOne CEO also underscored the company’s commitment to community development, healthcare, education, and empowerment, aligning with the national vision under the Second Republic and Government’s Vision 2030. He stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved when government, the private sector, civil society, and communities work together towards a common goal.

The tournament showcased not only skill and sportsmanship but also the spirit of compassion and collective action. Winners were congratulated for their outstanding performances, but Mushanawani emphasized that the true success of the event lay in the lives touched and the hope strengthened.

“Together, we have demonstrated that when we unite behind a worthy cause, we can make a meaningful difference. Together, we have connected hearts to a purpose. Together, we have connected communities to hope,” he concluded.

The NetOne-KidzCan Golf Tournament is expected to become a flagship event, reinforcing the role of sport and corporate partnerships in building a healthier and more prosperous Zimbabwe.

Footage circulating on social media appears to show England full-back Djed Spence not shaking hands with Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey before their World Cup match in Boston.

Partey was booed by England fans as he made his first appearance at this year’s World Cup, having missed his nation’s first game at the tournament.

The 33-year-old was denied entry into Canada after telling officials he had never been arrested nor charged with a crime, and missed Ghana’s 1-0 win against Panama in Toronto as a result.

Partey pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to allegations by four different women between 2020 and 2022 and is scheduled to stand trial next year.

BBC Sport understands the Football Association did not discuss the pre-match handshake with players before the match.

There were boos from the crowd at Boston Stadium as the Villarreal and former Arsenal midfielder’s name was read out over the public address system before the Group L match, while his touches of the ball were regularly met with jeers.

Partey said before Tuesday’s match he felt “ready to play” against England.

In a statement, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said last week: “The US is aware of the pending court case for Mr Partey.

“However, at this time, he has not been convicted of a crime and was admitted to the United States after being issued a visa.” BBC