By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
It was a crisp February morning in Harare, the city bathed in the soft glow of the rising sun. A sense of anticipation hung in the air as people began to gather at NetOne’s Kopje Plaza.
The clean-up initiative, backed by the Presidential Clean-Up Campaign, was about to commence, and the streets buzzed with excitement.
The mission was clear: “Zero Tolerance to Litter – My Environment, My Pride.” This call to action was made by none other than His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who had issued a declaration urging every Zimbabwean to take ownership of their environment, to treat it with the same pride they would a precious possession.
The gathering at the NetOne Kopje Plaza was large. Employees from NetOne, volunteers from the Harare City Council, and even local residents who had heard about the event came together, eager to take part in what was more than just a clean-up; it was a movement, a celebration of community, and a demonstration of collective responsibility.
As the clock struck 8:00 am, the group formed, all in uniform, each person wearing protective gear—gloves, boots, and bright orange vests. There was an infectious energy as people spoke to each other, shared stories, and rallied behind the goal of a cleaner and greener environment. It was a diverse group, from young children to senior citizens, but all were united in their mission to improve the environment.
In a speech read on his behalf by Rudo Vincente, the Public Relations Officer, the Chief Executive Officer of NetOne, Engineer Raphael Mushanawani, hailed the clean-up campaign.
“We come together in alignment with the Presidential Clean-Up Declaration by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, advocating ‘Zero Tolerance to Litter – My Environment, My Pride.’ It is a privilege to partake in this significant initiative,” he began, his words echoing through the morning air.
“Today, as NetOne, in partnership with the Harare City Council, we embark on this clean-up exercise, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am, starting here at the NetOne Kopje Plaza and extending to the Rowen Martins environs. Our collective aim is to foster a clean, secure, and healthy environment, echoing the essence of the Declaration,” Mushanawani continued, his eyes scanning the crowd, ensuring each participant felt the importance of their role in the mission.
He paused for a moment before continuing, his tone emphasizing unity and collaboration. “Together, let us strive to ensure the success of this clean-up campaign. Our combined efforts today will lay the groundwork for a cleaner and more sustainable future for our community.”
Engineer Mushanawani knew that this was not just about picking up litter; it was about changing mindsets, instilling habits, and creating a sense of pride in every corner of the city. He then reminded everyone of the key housekeeping rules that would guide their efforts:
Safety First: “Prioritize your safety and that of others by wearing appropriate attire and using provided cleaning tools cautiously.”
Teamwork: “Work collaboratively with fellow participants, showing respect and support for one another throughout the exercise.”
Proper Waste Disposal: “Dispose of collected litter in designated bins and follow waste segregation guidelines to promote effective recycling.”
Respect for the Environment: “Handle plants and natural surroundings with care, preserving the beauty of the area we are cleaning.”
As he finished speaking, a renewed sense of purpose filled the air. The volunteers were ready, and the mission ahead was clear. The group scattered in small teams, each equipped with bags, gloves, and a spirit of unity.
They worked methodically, collecting the litter that marred the streets and sorting it according to type. Bottles, papers, plastics—each item was carefully collected, ensuring that waste segregation was adhered to, a step towards sustainable disposal.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter, shared stories, and the sound of footsteps as the volunteers moved from one area to the next. A sense of camaraderie grew as they worked side by side, feeling the weight of the task at hand but also the joy of doing it together.
As the two hours passed, the transformation was striking. The once litter-strewn streets were now pristine, the air fresher, and the environment noticeably cleaner. But the work wasn’t just physical; there was a deep, emotional satisfaction in knowing they had played a part in something much larger than themselves.
By 10:00 am, as the final bags of trash were collected, Engineer Mushanawani stood once again before the group, a smile of pride on his face. “Look at what we’ve accomplished,” he said. “This is the power of unity, of working together toward a common goal. You have not only cleaned our streets today; you have set the stage for a cleaner and healthier future for everyone.”
The volunteers, exhausted but satisfied, clapped and cheered. The environment around them had been transformed, but so had they.
They now understood that a clean environment didn’t begin and end with one campaign, but with every individual taking responsibility and working together.
Engineer Mushanawani closed with one final, powerful thought: “Let’s continue to uphold these principles and ensure that the cleanliness and pride of our environment remain our collective responsibility. Thank you for your dedication, and together, we will continue to make a difference, not just today, but every day.”
And as the participants slowly began to leave, a sense of pride remained. They knew this was just the beginning—one small act, one clean-up, leading to a ripple effect of change, shaping a brighter, cleaner future for Zimbabwe.
Together, they had not only transformed the physical landscape but had also sparked a deeper commitment to preserving the environment for generations to come.
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