In a landmark development for connectivity in Gokwe, NetOne has substantially expanded digital services to Msala, Gokwe South, unveiling a new 4G base station and launching the Midlands leg of the “Digitalise Zimbabwe Roving ICT Expo.”
At the inauguration, Information, Communication Technology Minister Tatenda A. Mavetera declared that access to modern digital infrastructure is no longer a luxury but as vital as roads, electricity or water. The event drew wide community interest, with local residents expressing hope that the improvements will bring tangible benefits in education, healthcare and commerce.
Among those present was Midlands Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube, along with Chief Msala and other local officials, all of whom echoed the sentiment that this expansion marks a turning point for Msala. The newly installed 4G base station is solar-powered, underscoring NetOne’s intention not just to extend connectivity but to do so in a sustainable way, while the ICT Expo promises to bring people-centric digital services directly into the community.
NetOne chief executive Raphael Mushanawani emphasised that the project is more than infrastructure rollout. He stated that donating computers to rural schools, installing solar-powered boreholes, drip irrigation systems, and introducing nutritional gardens are all part of a holistic approach that connects technology with everyday needs. He urged that raising the quality of life involves more than high-speed internet; it requires ensuring basic services are improved in tandem.
The Ministry’s “Digitalise Zimbabwe” initiative, which the Expo represents, is ambitious in scale. It aims to train one and a half million coders, deploy mobile “digitrucks” to remote areas, establish community Wi-Fi zones, and appoint Digital Ambassadors in every province. Officials say the roll-out in Gokwe South is proof that policy can translate into action, particularly when public and private entities collaborate.
For residents in Msala, this development represents long-awaited relief. Access to online libraries for students, telemedicine connections for clinics, and reliable network service promise to reshape daily life. As Zimbabwe moves steadily toward the goals of Vision 2030, this push for inclusive digital infrastructure in previously underserved regions signals that no community will be left behind.
