Tributes Pour In as Zimbabwe Mourns ZESA Chair and National Hero Dr. Sydney Gata

Zimbabwe is mourning the death of Dr. Sydney Gata, the long-serving executive chairperson of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) and a recently declared national hero. Gata passed away last Thursday at a hospital in Harare and is set to be laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre tomorrow.

A respected energy expert and public servant, Gata is being remembered for his profound contribution to Zimbabwe’s energy sector and his commitment to national development.

Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo paid tribute to Gata’s leadership, highlighting his role in key energy projects, particularly the expansion of Hwange Power Station.

“The late Dr Gata will be remembered for his devotion and immense contribution to this country as an expert in the energy sector,” said Moyo. “We applaud his leadership and vision on the construction of Hwange 7 and 8 Units, commissioned by His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, Dr ED Mnangagwa, two years ago.”

Moyo also noted that Gata was among the first wave of young professionals to return to Zimbabwe in the early 1980s, leaving behind well-paying jobs abroad to help build the nation. Gata was later appointed the first black general manager of the Electricity Supply Commission (now ZESA) from 1981 to 1985, marking a significant step forward in the localisation of leadership roles in post-independence Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) also acknowledged Gata’s influence, stating that his initiatives played a crucial role in advancing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across Zimbabwe and the region.

“Dr Gata has left an indelible mark on Zimbabwe’s energy sector as witnessed by numerous initiatives he spearheaded,” ZERA said in a statement. “His expertise and leadership were not only instrumental in shaping the operational landscape of ZESA but also the broader energy industry.”

Power Giants (Pvt) Ltd CEO Edzai Kachirekwa described Gata’s passing as the end of an era. He said Gata’s legacy extends beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, citing his regular contributions to SADC energy forums and international summits.

“His legacy is not confined to Zimbabwe’s borders. From the SADC energy forums to international summits, his presence was commanding,” Kachirekwa said. “He believed Zimbabwe had the intellectual and technical capacity to be a regional energy giant.”

Gata’s body was flown yesterday to Lot 72 Rupise Hot Springs in Chipangayi, Manicaland, where family, friends, and community members gathered to pay their last respects. It will lie in state before being flown back to Harare today.

A church service will be held at the ZESA Training Centre ahead of the burial at the National Heroes Acre. As Zimbabwe prepares to say its final goodbye, Dr. Sydney Gata is being honoured not just for his achievements, but for a lifetime dedicated to public service and national progress.