NetOne has celebrated its 30th anniversary by recognising Zimbabwean athletes who performed well at the 2026 Comrades Marathon in South Africa.
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Read E-PaperSpeaking at the Zimbabwe Comrades Marathon Achievement Awards 2026, NetOne representative Rudo Vicente said the telecommunications company’s journey over the past three decades shared important lessons with the endurance race.
“This gathering holds particular significance for us. In 2026, NetOne celebrates 30 years of connecting Zimbabwe. Thirty years of growth. Thirty years of overcoming challenges. Thirty years of connecting families, communities, businesses and our nation,” she said.
“There could hardly be a more fitting community with which to celebrate this milestone than the men and women of the Comrades Marathon.
“NetOne and the Comrades story share one powerful truth: endurance builds greatness.”
Vicente praised Zimbabwean runners for representing the country at the internationally recognised ultramarathon, which covered 85.777 kilometres in the 2026 Up Run.
She congratulated Nobukhosi Tshuma, who finished second in the women’s race in five hours, 53 minutes and 36 seconds, and Loveness Madziva, who came sixth in six hours, nine minutes and 54 seconds.
“Two Zimbabwean women among the top ten women in one of the world’s most celebrated ultramarathons. That is an achievement worthy of national recognition,” she said.
“To Nobukhosi, Loveness and every Zimbabwean who took part: you carried our national colours with pride. You carried Zimbabwe.”
Vicente said NetOne’s 30-year journey had also involved challenges, growth and the need to keep moving forward.
“Our first 30 years have given us experience, resilience and a strong foundation. Our next chapter must be defined by greater innovation, greater inclusion, deeper connection and an even stronger impact on the communities we serve,” she said.
She also highlighted the importance of wellness, saying healthy communities and workforces contribute to national development.
“A healthy nation is a productive nation. A healthy workforce strengthens organisations. Healthy communities strengthen economies,” Vicente said.
She encouraged Zimbabweans to adopt healthier lifestyles through physical activity, regardless of their fitness levels.
“You do not need to run 85 kilometres to begin your wellness journey. Walk one kilometre. Run five. Take on ten. Attempt a half marathon. Run a marathon. And perhaps one day, dare yourself to stand at the starting line of Comrades.
“What matters is taking that first step.”
Vicente called on more companies to support athletes, invest in wellness programmes and create opportunities for young people to participate in sport.
“I therefore wish to use this platform to invite other organisations to join us. There is room on this journey for many partners.
“Let us support our athletes. Let us invest in wellness. Let us create opportunities for young people. Let us strengthen community participation,” she said.
She also encouraged athletes who did not finish the race to remain motivated and continue pursuing their goals.
“Because sometimes courage is simply standing on the starting line. You started. You dared. You were counted. And you can come back stronger,” she said.
As NetOne looks towards its next chapter, Vicente said the company remains committed to building stronger connections and supporting communities.
“Thirty years strong. Connected by purpose. Strengthened by endurance. And together, ready to go further,” she said.
