Preparations for this year’s edition of the popular Econet Victoria Falls Marathon are at an advanced stage, with athletes from several countries having already registered for the prestigious event. Now widely regarded as Africa’s premier marathon because of its unique setting in the iconic Victoria Falls, and because of the growing numbers of local and international runners it attracts, the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon – set to be held on July 3, 2022 – is expected to draw over 5 000 registered participants from around the world. Many of the athletes, who will be gathering to run the marathon in person for the first time in two years due to the COVID-19 enforced break in 2020 and 2021, will be trooping to the event with their friends and family – some of whom will not participate in the marathon. This means the actual number of visitors to the resort town could be well over 5000.    Mr Kezito Makuni, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s Chief Operating Officer, an ardent marathon runner himself, said he was ready for the event, adding that this year’s marathon was special, coming as it does as economies in the region and across the world are starting to recover from the effects of the COVID pandemic.     

“This year’s marathon is special as it marks the reopening of borders and economies and the return of visitors to our beautiful resort and tourist destinations around the country following the pandemic, along with the economic benefits it brings to Vic Falls and the hospitality and tourism sector in general.  “We are expecting to have our biggest event ever this year, with at least 5 000 runners converging on Victoria Falls for the marathon. Our teams and our marathon organizing partners, Wild Frontiers, are pulling all stops to ensure that this is a successful and memorable event for all participants,” Mr Makuni said.  The Econet Vic Falls marathon is entirely supported by local organisations, creating business and local employment opportunities for the Vic Falls community and the hospitality and tourism sector at large. Mr Makuni said crowd and traffic control will be well provided for at the marathon.   

“As in past events, we can assure visitors and athletes of world class organization and crowd and traffic control, including communications and sweep cars, route marshals, clear signage, water at several points along the routes and most importantly, adequate first aid, medical and emergency services for the whole duration of the marathon,” said Mr Makuni.  Econet has been sponsoring the marathon since 2009. It has over the years become a favourite and important event with runners from around the world and across all categories ranging from some of the world’s elite runners to a large and growing number of health conscious and wellness-minded amateur athletes. Mr Makuni said Econet – a strong and well-known proponent of health and wellness in the workplace and among families – will once again use the marathon to encourage members of the public to adopt healthy lifestyles that include active exercise and running.   

“Besides helping to set the stage for this wonderful experience at a top tourist resort, we will be once again using the Econet Vic Falls Marathon as a vital platform to spread the word on the importance of keeping communities healthy through active lifestyles,” he said.    To underpin its growing importance, the Econet Vic Falls Marathon has earned the recognition of World Athletics and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The event will feature a rebranded “Elephant route”, the 42km full marathon; a “Leopard route”, the 21km half marathon; the “Lion route”, the 7.5km Family Fun Run; as well as a half marathon 10.5km x 2 relay. The last Econet Victoria Falls Marathon before the pandemic was held in 2019, attracting a field of over 3 500 participants from more than 40 countries around the world.    

CHRISTOPHER Gondwe has vowed to defend his Econet Victoria Falls 42km Marathon title as he takes to the resort town on July 3 for the race. Gondwe (35) of Blanket Mine Athletics Club won the race in 2019 and picked up US$900 after crossing the finishing line in 02:25:36, but failed to beat 2018 winner Nkosiyazi Sibanda’s record of 02:21:08. It was his first time to compete in the 42km race. Gondwe said he was working hard for the race. “I am going back there if everything goes well with the registration. So far so good, I am ready although I am having challenges at work. I am training hard and hopeful that come July 3, I will be fit and ready. I am hoping to defend my title and whoever tries to beat me will have to work hard for it. I failed to beat (Nkosiyazi) Sibanda’s record partly because it was my first time to run the 42km race and I kept up the seniors who are used to the race and the route. I outpaced them in the last three kilometres.  I have got great speed. I want to be at my own record this year, but if I beat Sibanda’s it will be a miracle. I am very prayerful man,” Gondwe said.

On Gondwe’s heels in 2019 was Costern Chiyaba, who finished at a time of 02:25:44 with Lyno Muchena coming third in 02:25:48. The ladies’ 42km race was won by Felistus Chitoshi, who hit the tape in 02:52:31 while on the second spot was Chokore Chiedza in 02:58:12 followed by Thabitha Tsatsa in 03:06:06. The last edition of the race was held virtually in 2020 and registration for this year’s race will close on Sunday. “We are happy to announce that we will be extending the close of entries date for this year’s Victoria Falls Marathon from the May 31 to June 19 2022 or sooner if we reach capacity! This means that you have less than three weeks left to still enter. Make sure that you enter now and don’t make the mistake of leaving your entry to the last minute when it is too late,” read a post on the organiser’s Facebook page.

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) says the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, which is set to be held in the scenic resort town on July 3, 2022, will help drive the revival of the country’s tourism sector. The popular marathon is coming back to Victoria Falls after a two-year hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which had significantly impacted the industry in a negative way. Covid-induced travel restrictions had hit demand for travel, resulting in a massive fall in tourist visitors to the country. This sadly saw the loss of close to 10 000 jobs, while nearly 40 hospitality facilities were shut down, according to official figures.  However, global vaccination initiatives and the significant fall in new Covid cases and deaths, along with the re-opening of international borders, have resulted in tourists coming back to Zimbabwe.  

“We are quite excited with the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon coming back with more than 5 000 participants from various countries in the region and around the world expected to take part in the event. This is great news for tourism,” said ZTA spokesperson, Mr Godfrey Koti. “We are pushing this event under the banner of sports tourism, and we are very happy that we have started seeing a return of normalcy in a way, hosting of events and people meeting physically.” The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon has over the years become one of the most popular events on the world’s sporting calendars, attracting both veteran and new athletes from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, among other countries. 

Mr Koti said this year’s participants will have a chance to explore other exciting activities around the resort town such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping and game drives to boost the tourism industry, which contributes 6,3 percent of the National Gross Domestic Product, with a value of US$1,23 billion. Government recently introduced a number of incentives to ensure the sector moves towards sustainable recovery and growth from the impacts of the pandemic so that it becomes a US$5 billion industry by 2025. In line with Government’s thrust to revive the tourism industry and protect jobs, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has rebranded this year’s marathon “Run the Big Three” to lure more tourists and athletes to the country. 

“This year’s Econet Victoria Falls Marathon has three routes – the Elephant Route, the Leopard Route and the Lion Route,” said Econet spokesperson, Mr Fungai Mandiveyi, while announcing the return of the marathon recently.   “Seasoned athletes will battle it for the top honours along the ‘Elephant Route’, the full 42km marathon, while veteran and amateur athletes will test themselves in the ‘Leopard Route’, which is our traditional 21km half marathon,” he said.  “Families, young children, along with ‘social’ and first-time runners, will take part in the popular 7,5km fun-run, that we are calling the ‘Lion Route.’”  This year’s marathon is also a qualifying race for the 2022 Comrades Marathon to be held on August 28 in South Africa.

The Econet Victoria Falls Marathon returns to the sporting calendar this year, with close to 5 000 runners expected to participate at this year’s event on July 03, 2022. Announcing the marathon this week, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe – the title sponsors of the popular marathon – said this year’s event will be held physically in the iconic resort town. “We are delighted to announce that registration is now open for this year’s Econet Victoria Falls marathon, and to let the public know that this year’s event will be back to full capacity,” said Econet spokesperson Mr Fungai Mandiveyi early this week. The marathon experienced a two year-haitus due to the coronavirus pandemic. But Mr Mandiveyi said his company looked forward to welcoming back both regular and new runners to this year’s marathon. “We look forward to welcoming back familiar and new athelets to this year’s event, which will be run under the theme ‘Run the Big Three’”.

He said veteran athletes will battle it out along the ‘Elephant Route’, the full 42 kilometres (km) marathon, while the ‘Leopard Route’ will be for those participating in the 21km half marathon. The 7.5km ‘Lion Route’ will be the popular fun run, which often attracts whole families, along with some first-time runners. “We are excited that once again there will be something for everyone at this year’s marathon; for serious and veteran atheletes as well as for family and friends out to have some fun and a healthy good time at the seventh wonder of the world,” said Mr Mandiveyi, adding that there would also be up to US25,000 worth of prizes to be won. On race day, it is now the tradition to have Zumba dance classes and a variety of fun and entertainment for the entire family, including face painting for children. Econet, which is a big proponent of health and wellness, has been sponsoring the Vic Falls since 2009. The event, which started in 2006, was last held physically in 2019, when it attracted a field of over 3 500 participants from more than 40 nationalities around the world, making one of the biggest and most anticipated events on the global running calendar. Mr Mandiveyi said he hoped the public would take advantage of the uniqueness of the Econet Victoria Falls marathon and plan now to participate. “The event is clearly like no other from a racing point of view as no other race will take you on a route that starts by running over the Vic Fall iron bridge, through the spray and thunder of the Victoria Falls, cutting through a world heritage site, and having the chance to see big game – such as elephant and buffaloes, along the marathon route.” 

He said this would be in addition to the opportunity, once in Victoria Falls, for visitors and runners to take game viewing safaris, go on boat cruises on the mighty Zambezi, do white water rafting and much more. Mr Mandiveyi said to participate in this year’s marathon – which is also a qualifying race for this years Comrades Marathon – runners should register on www.vicfallsmarathon.com and pay using EcoCash, MasterCard or Visa Card.  For local (Zimbabwean) atheletes, the 7.5km Lion route attracts a fee of US$5, the 21km Leopard route costs US$10, while the 42km Elephant route requires US$15 for one to participate in it. Athletes from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region will pay US$5 for the Lion route, US$30 for the Leopard route and US$40 for the Elephant route. At the same time international participants will pay US$10, US$50 and US$60 respectively for the three races. Meanwhile, Wild Frontiers, the Organisers of the Econet Victoria falls Marathon, called on all athletes and staff at the event to be sure to adhere to COVID-19 protocols as set out by Zimbabwe Government during the time of the event. These including social distancing (when not in active participation), the wearing of face masks, physical distancing and hand sanitising.

“We are encouraging all athletes to have been vaccinated, while those not fully vaccinated will be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test result taken 48 hours before the marathon,” the organisers said.

Registration entries to the Victoria Falls Marathon close on June 13, 2022, or earlier, if full capacity is reached before that date.

ZIMBABWE’S biggest mobile telecommunications firm, Econet Wireless yesterday launched the country’s first high-speed Fifth Generation (5G) mobile broadband technology, moving the domestic market in line with global trends. The launch was made in partnership with global technology giants, Ericson and ZTE. Econet will kick-off the service in Harare before expanding to other Zimbabwean markets during the course of this year, according to a statement released at the launch. The rollout demonstrated Econet’s confidence on the Zimbabwean market, where it has already invested over US$3 billion in infrastructure since its inception in 1998. Douglas Mboweni, chief executive officer at the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed giant, said the 5G rollout was an important milestone for the company. He said the technology would bolster Zimbabwe’s capacity to become a full-fledged digital economy. 

“The 5G technology will transform the way we all live and work, offering customers significantly greater network capacity, ultra-low latency and super-fast broadband speeds that open vast possibilities for our individual, business and enterprise customers,” he said. The firm was allocated test spectrum in multiple bands by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) for 5G technology services. The new technology will yield far higher speeds — up to 100 times faster than earlier broadband technologies. “The technology allows several devices to be connected at the same time, allowing for new automation possibilities, seamless communication and inter-connectivity between multiple smart devices, commonly known as the internet of things (IoT),” Mboweni said. Econet Chief Operating Officer Mr Kezito Makuni, said the launch of 5G would allow the company to meet the growing demand for data and complement its growing 4G network, boosting overall mobile connectivity for Econet customers.

“Our 5G network will offer new use cases while at the same time helping us meet existing demand for mobile broadband services,” Makuni said.

The launch of 5G cements Econet’s position as the technology and telecoms leader in Zimbabwe, where the company was the first to launch 3G and 4G services. Potraz’s sector performance reports shows that the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange-listed company has long been a leader in infrastructure investment in 2G, 3G and 4G. Potraz director-general Gift Machengete, who was the guest of honour at the launch, commended Econet for bringing 5G to the Zimbabwean market at a time when the demand for data and telecom services is very high. He said the introduction of the super-fast technology in Zimbabwe meant the “future has finally arrived”, adding that he expected the technology to herald industrial and societal transformation.

“5G, indeed, is ‘The Technology’; it is the nervous system of the digital economy, where everything whether biological, mechanical or chemical will have to be connected somehow, anywhere, anytime, with zero delay and almost unlimited capacity,” he said. He noted that for the country to enjoy the full benefits of 5G, the telecommunications sector will require foreign currency support for network expansion and procurement of critical core network software.

263chat

Writing on his Facebook blog, the founder and group chairman of Econet has urged business, industry & Government to join hands in fighting the outbreak of the Coronavirus, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a global health emergency.

#Chinese Businesses are on the frontline of fighting the Corona Virus:
Last week I got an email from the office of my friend Jack Ma of Alibaba asking to share information on my experience in fighting the Ebola virus. I was amazed by all the things Jack Ma and others in China are doing! Almost every single Chinese business [big and small] is doing something to fight the virus.
Interesting DiDi [China’s version of Vaya] is providing FREE transport for Nurses and doctors …sound familiar?!

Vaya is currently offering FREE transport to Zimbabwe’s nurses and doctors. WE HAVE DONE THIS FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS!

I just read an article in a Chinese paper about initiatives by small businesses right across China. They are doing everything possible to get involved. IN A CRISIS IT IS A DISGRACE NOT TO GET INVOLVED.
Now here is the lesson for us in Africa:

#1. China is the second most powerful country in the world, and has resources and capability to boot. It’s military built a 1000 bed hospital from scratch to finish in 10 days!

And YET, their businesses still want to get involved. In Africa during crises many of us just like to watch and criticize, and become armchair TWITTER foremen!

We will never overcome any crisis whether health or economic by just watching from the sidelines.
It is also important for our policy makers not to be arrogant in a crisis, and engage others to join and offer solutions:

If your house is burning, and a neighbor comes with a bucket of water, you do not question their motive, simply because you quarreled with them in the past. That is silly!

This Corona Virus is SERIOUS, VERY SERIOUS!

We need everyone to get involved in preparations. 

The Herald

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has embarked on a marketing communication campaign aimed at positioning the company as a digital lifestyle network that enhances people’s lives. 

In a statement, the company confirmed that the campaign was already under way. “We creating awareness of the vast digital opportunities at the disposal of Econet customers to ensure they take full advantage of them and enjoy the value and convenience that our services and our digital platforms bring to their lives,” the statement said.

The blue chip company, with over 12,5 million customers, has been able to maintain its market leadership through relentless innovation and by adapting to global and local market changes driven by the tech revolution to address customer needs. Having evolved over the years from being a mere provider of telco services, the Econet campaign makes customers aware of the lifestyle enhancing possibilities the company’s services bring them, focusing on music, gaming, connectivity and a connected lifestyle.

“We are raising awareness to our music products, coming out of Buddie Beatz Music app — which already has over 45 000 songs — and to our gaming products, featuring YoPlay and Elevate Gaming — which is now Africa’s number one gaming platform. 

“We excited to let the market know that our connectivity products — made possible by the Buddie brand and the social media packages we offer through our vast 3G, LTE and 4G data infrastructure powering our digital platforms — are giving customers the freedom to chat, shop, explore and do so much more from anywhere, at any time.

“And we want market to know that through products like Connected Lifestyle —  Connected Home and Connected Car —  customers can truly find a smarter way of living,” the statement said. It said Econet was now a digital lifestyle network with automated systems, services and products  that truly enhanced the lives of customers across all demographics, hence the tagline: Enhancing Lives.

Econet has long been the market leader in Zimbabwe’s ICT and telco industry dominated by three players: Econet, NetOne and Telecel. 

According to a December 2019 sector performance report released by industry regulator Potraz, Econet controls 68 percent customer market share, 69,6 percent data traffic market share, 83,3 percent share of the 3G data infrastructure, and close to 70 percent share of LTE (4G) infrastructure. 

263 Chat 

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, the largest mobile network operator in Zimbabwe and the leading provider of digital network services, has embarked on a marketing communication campaign aimed at positioning the company as a digital lifestyle network that enhances people’s lives. In a statement, the company confirmed that the campaign was already under way.

“We creating awareness of the vast digital opportunities at the disposal of Econet customers to ensure they take full advantage of them and enjoy the value and convenience that our services and our digital platforms bring to their lives,” the statement said.

The blue chip company, with over 12,5 million customers, has been able to maintain its market leadership through relentless innovation and by adapting to global and local market changes driven by the tech revolution to address customer needs. Having evolved over the years from being a mere provider of telco services, the Econet campaign makes customers aware of the lifestyle enhancing possibilities the company’s services bring them, focusing on music, gaming, connectivity and a connected lifestyle.

“We are raising awareness to our music products, coming out of Buddie Beatz Music app – which already has over 45 000 songs – and to our gaming products, featuring YoPlay and Elevate Gaming – which is now Africa’s number one gaming platform.

“We excited to let the market know that our connectivity products – made possible by the Buddie brand and the social media packages we offer through our vast 3G, LTE and 4G data infrastructure powering our digital platforms – are giving customers the freedom to chat, shop, explore and do so much more from anywhere, at any time.

“And we want market to know that through products like Connected Lifestle – Connected Home and Connected Car – customers can truly find a smarter way of living,” the statement said.

It said Econet was now a digital lifestyle network with automated systems, services and products that truly enhanced the lives of customers across all demographics, hence the tagline: Enhancing Lives. Econet has long been the market leader in Zimbabwe’s ICT and telco industry dominated by three players: Econet, NetOne and Telecel.

According to a December 2019 sector performance report released by industry regulator Potraz, Econet controls 68% customer market share, 69, 6% data traffic market share, 83, 3% share of the 3G data infrastructure, and close to 70% share of LTE (4G) infrastructure.