Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure and Wallace Ruzvidzo
THOUSANDS of people converged at the National Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday to bid farewell to the late national hero, Dr Sydney Gata.
The atmosphere was a profound blend of silence and celebration, embodying the deep respect for a man whose vision transcended urban landscapes to touch the very heart of rural communities.
Dr Gata, affectionately known as “a guru” by those fortunate enough to know him, dedicated his life to electrifying Zimbabwe.
His relentless efforts illuminated even the most remote villages, transforming countless households and lives.
People started arriving at the break of dawn and as the crowd swelled, filling every corner of the National Heroes Acre, it became a testament to the indelible impact he had on the Zimbabwean people.
Among the sea of faces were dedicated Zesa staff, resplendent in their blue overalls, symbolising their commitment to carrying forward the legacy of their beloved leader.
They stood alongside not just Zanu-PF supporters but also members of the uniformed forces, united by a shared respect for a man who became a beacon of hope in the realm of electricity and infrastructure.
In his eulogy, President Mnangagwa chronicled Dr Gata’s remarkable journey.
Dr Gata traversed the globe, from the sun-kissed plains of Botswana to the bustling streets of Canada and the historic avenues of the United Kingdom.
Each destination enriched Dr Gata’s experience; yet, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his homeland, returning with a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering resolve to implement transformative change.
In an interview, Energy and Power Development Minister July Moyo highlighted Dr Gata’s pivotal role in the energy sector.
“Well, Dr Gata, whether working for Zesa or out of Zesa, remained a very critical person in the energy sector because of his knowledge, because of his patriotism, and also because of his foresight,” he said.
“He was very strategic, and he built institutions that would have been impossible for many people to build.
“When we started in 1980, there were six organisations that were engaged in the distribution of electricity. Four of them were generating electricity and when we decided to say we should have one company, which is how we created
Zesa, he was coming from the Electricity Supply Commission, but he was made the first general manager, combining all those six companies, and he weaved it into one organisation that worked very well.”
Minister Moyo said Dr Gata had foresight, which has now brought more independent power producers, whether in solar or thermal electricity.
Reflecting on his time with Dr Gata, Manicaland Minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza conveyed his pride in working alongside him.
“He was a man I associated with in many respects,” he said, recalling their collaborations. “You cannot talk about electricity in Zimbabwe without his name coming to your mind.”
Advocate Mugadza’s recollections painted a picture of a man whose professionalism and dedication were instrumental in shaping the energy landscape.
Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Supa Mandiwanzira also lauded Dr Gata.
“I will tell you that Dr Gata was a really committed civil servant, a committed servant of Zimbabwe, particularly in the development of the energy sector.
“He was instrumental in promoting rural electrification when he headed the Rural Electrification Agency.
“A lot of people speak today about the power shortages and make a lot of noise to say that we have so much blackouts, so much power cuts; but the reality is that it is an indication of the success of the electrification programmes that were undertaken by the national power utility under Dr Gata and others, because the demand for electricity outstripped supply as more electricity distribution went to a significant number of households,” he said.
As Zimbabweans bade farewell to Dr Gata, they did so with heavy hearts but also with a renewed sense of hope.
Analysts say his legacy will continue to inspire future generations, reminding them of the profound changes that can be achieved through dedication and vision.
In a country where electricity remains a crucial component of daily life, Dr Gata’s contributions will forever illuminate the path towards progress and empowerment.
