Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
National hero, Dr Sydney Gata has been described as an iconic leader in the energy sector.
Speaking at a funeral service held at the ZESA National Training Centre this afternoon, ZESA Vice Chairperson Albert Nduna described Dr Gata as an iconic figure in the energy sector, whose contribution spanned decades and left an indelible mark locally and regionally.
“Dr Gata’s untimely passing is a tremendous loss to his family, to the ZESA fraternity, and the entire energy community.”
The national hero’s commitment to skills development began in the 1980s when he responded to a post-independence exodus of skilled ZESA personnel by establishing the ZESA National Training Centre.
The centre, which hosted his funeral this afternoon, remains the cornerstone of human capital development in Zimbabwe’s power sector.
“He was always forward-looking and had the best interests of employees at heart,” Mr Nduna said, noting that Dr Gata recently directed the centre to begin plans for a modern sports pavilion.
Beyond Zimbabwe, Dr Gata played a critical role in the formation of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).
He was present at the 1989 Council of Ministers meeting in Victoria Falls, which laid the groundwork for the initiative.
On July 2nd, just a day before his passing, Dr Gata was recognised by SAPP for his pivotal contributions to regional energy solutions and infrastructure development.
Dr Gata’s leadership transformed ZESA during its most challenging periods.
He was the first black general manager of the Electricity Supply Commission (1981–1985), later serving as CEO and board member in the 1980s and 1990s.
The national hero was appointed Executive Chairman of ZESA in 2001 to 2006, and again in November 2019 until his death.
Throughout his illustrious career, he held influential roles within the World Energy Council, the African Development Bank, and Integrated Energy Systems Limited UK.
Mr Nduna said Dr Gata’s vision aligned with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which seeks to elevate Zimbabwe to an upper-middle-income economy through robust electricity infrastructure and skills development.
“Dr Sydney Gata was an inspiration to many, a beacon of hope, and a true legend of the energy sector,” Mr Nduna said.
