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.

The NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon lit up the Eastern Highlands on 22 November as more than 1 650 athletes, including elite runners from Kenya and participants from the United Kingdom, converged on Honde Valley for what has now become one of Zimbabwe’s most vibrant community sporting events. The third edition proved to be the biggest and most memorable yet, blending athletic excellence, rural tourism, community celebration, and national pride.

The race kicked off at sunrise, with thousands lining the scenic roads to cheer on runners tackling the 42km, 21km BreeZ Half Marathon, 10km, and 5km routes. From juniors to grand masters, every step told its own story, determination, joy, grit, and unforgettable Honde Valley spirit. The trails were alive with song, laughter, and breathtaking views, turning the marathon into an immersive cultural and athletic experience.

NetOne Group CEO, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, expressed immense satisfaction with the growth of the event.

He noted that the marathon had expanded significantly compared to previous years and now stands as a flagship example of how sport can uplift communities and strengthen rural tourism. “This third edition of the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon has shown real growth,” he said. “We are happy to see the NetOne brand playing a meaningful role in empowering communities, promoting wellness, and positioning Honde Valley as a true sports tourism destination.

Each year, this event gets bigger, better, and more impactful.”Founder and Marathon Director, Alois Bunjira, echoed the excitement, visibly moved by the overwhelming turnout and diversity of participants. He shared that having more than 1 650 registered runners was beyond what the organising team imagined for this year.

“I am so happy and truly overwhelmed,” Bunjira said. “To see athletes from Kenya, runners from the United Kingdom, and participants from all across Zimbabwe coming together for this marathon is something special. This year means even more to us because the race was officially recognised as a qualifier for the 2026 Comrades Marathon, a dream Brenda ‘BreeZ’ Zvinorova worked tirelessly for. Her legacy lives on through this achievement.”

⁶The qualification status added a historic layer of meaning to the event, reinforcing the marathon’s growing reputation on the regional athletics calendar. For many participants, this milestone transformed Honde Valley from simply a beautiful race route into a gateway to one of the world’s most prestigious ultra-distance events.The day’s celebrations continued after the finish line, where athletes cooled down with a Zumba session led by Sir Charles Fitness.

Prize-giving moments followed, with trophies and prize money awarded by Alois Bunjira, NetOne CEO Raphael Mushanawani, and Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Hon. Barbara Rwodzi, who also joined the event to honour its contribution to rural tourism and community development.As the sun set, the valley shifted from athletic intensity to musical celebration.

Nutty O, EXQ, Feli Nandi, Tocky Vibes, Black Diva, and Jah Signal delivered electrifying performances at the After-Party Bash, closing the day in spectacular fashion and giving thousands of attendees a night to remember.

With its blend of sport, tourism, culture, and community empowerment, the 2025 NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon has cemented its place as a major event in Zimbabwe’s sporting landscape. From record-breaking participation to Comrades Marathon qualification and unforgettable entertainment, Honde Valley truly came alive, and the marathon’s future promises even greater heights.

The NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon has reached a historic milestone after being officially recognized as a qualifier for the 2026 Comrades Marathon, one of the world’s most prestigious ultra-distance races. The confirmation came in writing this week, marking a defining moment for the organisers, partners, local community, and every runner who has supported the marathon since its inception.

Speaking on the achievement, NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon Project Director, Mr. Alois Bunjira, shared an emotional reflection on what the recognition means, especially in connection with the late Brenda “BreeZ” Zvinorova, who played a pivotal role in building the marathon and championing its international accreditation.

“We got the badge. Comrades Marathon have officially written to us approving the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon as a qualifier for the Comrades Marathon 2026.

This was always Brenda’s dream, to have this particular badge, and she pushed so much for it. It was this very badge we were pursuing on the day we had the fatal accident. I want to believe she is watching from up there and smiling at this moment.

“I would have loved for her to see it for herself and touch it. I miss her so much. May her soul continue to rest in peace. We will make sure her legacy continues to shine,” said Bunjira.

He extended appreciation to the partners, community, and supporting institutions who have believed in the marathon’s potential and walked with the organising team through both triumph and adversity.

“Congratulations to NetOne, First Mutual Microfinance, Albun BreeZ Marathon organisers, Albun Fitness Club, all valued stakeholders and everyone who has supported us right from the beginning. Thank you NAAZ and MAB for your guidance and for believing in us.
May this be the springboard for better and bigger things to come.”

Now in its third edition, the NetOne Albun Honde Valley Marathon has grown to become a symbol of community empowerment, tourism development, and athletic excellence in the Eastern Highlands The race continues to draw athletes from across Zimbabwe and beyond, with its scenic, challenging routes and its deeply rooted community spirit.

With just weeks before thousands converge in Honde Valley, the new Comrades qualifier status is expected to elevate participation, inspire new athletes, attract greater visibility, and strengthen the marathon’s place on the regional athletics calendar.