Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE late national hero and former ZESA Holdings executive chairman, Dr Sydney Zikuzo Gata, has been fondly remembered as a unifying figure and champion of development, whose enduring legacy continues to inspire in Chipinge and beyond.
At a memorial service held at his Chipangayi farm, Women Affairs, Community, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa, paid tribute to Dr Gata’s exemplary character and tireless contributions to national development.
“He was a principled and hardworking individual who dedicated his life to Zimbabwe’s progress. Notably, he worked on economic enablers to propel the nation towards Vision 2030. Despite his esteemed position as ZESA CEO, he treated his colleagues with humility and honour,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She also acknowledged Dr Gata’s steadfast support for gender equity, including his unwavering backing of his wife, Cde Angeline Gata’s, political pursuits.
ZESA acting CEO, Engineer Cletus Nyachowe hailed Dr Gata’s visionary leadership in expanding energy access, including his ambitious goal of universal electricity access by 2030.
“He was a builder with a clear vision. Furthermore, he initiated the Solar for Farmers Programme, which we are now on the cusp of implementing,” said Engineer Nyachowe.
Chipinge ZANU PF District Cordinating Committee chairperson, Cde Temba Munaiwa, described the late Dr Gata as the backbone of the party in the district, crediting him with the party’s recent electoral successes and grassroots development initiatives.
“We are grateful that he was honoured as a national hero. His legacy will undoubtedly endure,” said Cde Munaiwa.
Dr Gata passed away last month and was bestowed with the honour of a national hero in recognition of his immense contributions to Zimbabwe’s economic development.
