Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
ZESA Holdings executive chairman, Dr Sydney Zikuzo Gata, has died.
He passed away at a local hospital late on Thursday night following a short illness.
ZESA Holdings confirmed his death in a statement describing him as “a distinguished energy, power, and infrastructure development specialist” who leaves behind “a legacy of unwavering commitment to the energy sector”.
Dr Gata’s leadership at ZESA transformed the organisation during some of its most challenging moments.
“His leadership stood out for introducing strategic reforms that significantly improved service delivery across the electricity sector,” read the statement.
Dr Gata was the first black general manager of the Electricity Supply Commission (ESC) from 1981 to 1985, a pioneering appointment that broke racial barriers in the engineering sector at the time.
“He came into the system when it was not designed to accommodate Africans in such top-level roles,” reads the statement.
“But he proved that skill and vision know no colour.”
In the 1980s and early 1990s, he rose to become chief executive officer and board member of ZESA, before being re-appointed as executive chairman from 2001 to 2006.
He returned to the post in 2019 and was still serving at the time of his death. A qualified mechanical and aeronautical engineer, Dr Gata studied and lectured in the United Kingdom during the 1970s and 80s.
He taught at the Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering and City University London before returning home to lecture at the University of Zimbabwe.
He also held international roles in various energy bodies, including serving as a board member of the World Energy Council Commission between 1992 and 1994.
ZESA credited Dr Gata for fostering a results-driven culture.
“He believed in meritocracy and was never afraid to make tough decisions. His goal was always to serve the people of Zimbabwe with integrity,” the power utility said.
Dr Gata is survived by his wife, Angeline Gata, who is Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister, children and grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
