Online Reporter
Richard Muponde, Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZIMBABWEANS gathered at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare today under grey, heavy skies to bid farewell to national hero and energy sector pioneer, Dr Engineer Sydney Zikuzo Gata, who was laid to rest following a moving tribute by President Mnangagwa.
The sombre ceremony, attended by senior Government officials, energy stakeholders, liberation war veterans and ordinary citizens, honoured Dr Gata’s lifelong contribution to Zimbabwe’s energy development and patriotic service.
The late Executive Chairman of ZESA Holdings passed away on July 4 in Harare after a short illness.
In his address, President Mnangagwa described Dr Gata as a “trailblazing patriot” whose scientific genius and unwavering national loyalty left a lasting mark on Zimbabwe’s energy sector and national development agenda.
“Today, we lay to rest an engineer par excellence,” said President Mnangagwa. “Dr Gata’s legacy lives in every power line and energy project he championed. He helped electrify the dreams of our rural people and powered the engines of our economy,” President Mnangagwa said
He noted that Dr Gata’s return to Zimbabwe after his international academic and professional achievements underscored his selflessness and deep connection to the nation.
“He never forgot who he was, or where he came from,” the President said.
“No matter how far we go in life, we must never forget that we are Zimbabweans first.”
President Mnangagwa highlighted Dr Gata’s instrumental role in the establishment of ZESA, the construction of Hwange Power Station Units 1 and 2, and the launch of the rural electrification programme.
He also credited the late hero with helping position Zimbabwe in regional energy structures such as the Southern African Power Pool.
The President challenged the youth to emulate Dr Gata’s example by pursuing science and technology for national transformation.
“We are in need of a new generation of heroes, innovators, technocrats, and thinkers who will continue the mission of building Zimbabwe,” President Mnangagwa said.
“Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”
As a casket draped flag fluttered in the breeze and gun salutes echoed across the hill, mourners stood in solemn silence, a tribute to a man who powered a nation, yet remained grounded in humility.
“Go well, great son of the soil,” said President Mnangagwa. “You served your generation with distinction. You have rested.”
