
President Mnangagwa on Friday paid a visit to the Gata family residence in Harare’s upscale Borrowdale Brooke to offer his condolences following the passing of Dr Sydney Gata, the long-serving Executive Chairperson of ZESA Holdings.Dr Gata, a towering figure in Zimbabwe’s energy sector, died on Thursday at a local hospital after a short illness. He was 80 years old.
The President Mnangagwa’s visit was marked by solemnity and compassion as he joined mourners in paying tribute to a man widely recognised for his decades-long contribution to the country’s electricity infrastructure and development. President Mnangagwa spent time with the grieving family, sharing words of comfort with Dr Gata’s widow, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata, their children, and grandchildren.
Senior government officials and party representatives, including ZANU PF Politburo members, the Chief Secretary to the President Mnangagwa and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, several deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, and senior executives from ZESA Holdings, also gathered at the Gata residence to pay their respects.
Dr Gata’s passing marks the end of an era for Zimbabwe’s energy sector. A qualified electrical engineer, his name became synonymous with the expansion and modernization of the country’s electricity infrastructure over several decades.
He was instrumental in the implementation of key national power projects, most notably the Hwange Power Station Expansion Phases 1 and 2, which played a crucial role in enhancing Zimbabwe’s electricity generation capacity. Under his leadership, ZESA Holdings also spearheaded the Main Transmission System Upgrade, as well as the design and rollout of the Urban and Rural Electrification Master Plan, which significantly extended power access to previously underserved communities.
President Mnangagwa Consoles Gata Family Following Death of Energy Sector Icon
President Mnangagwa, in a brief address to the family, described Dr Gata as a visionary technocrat and patriot, whose deep commitment to Zimbabwe’s energy independence will not be forgotten.
“Dr Gata was not only a seasoned professional but also a servant of the people, whose engineering intellect helped light up our towns, schools, clinics and homes,” said the President. “His contributions laid the foundation for our national drive toward energy security.”
Dr Sydney Gata’s service in Zimbabwe’s energy sector spanned more than four decades, having first joined the power utility in the late 1980s. He held various senior roles at the Electricity Supply Commission (ESC), the predecessor of ZESA, and later took the helm of ZESA Holdings during a time of sweeping reforms and restructuring.
Despite facing challenges ranging from political pressures to economic constraints and aging infrastructure, Dr Gata remained committed to the vision of a well-powered Zimbabwe. Colleagues and subordinates often praised his technical knowledge, administrative acumen, and relentless pursuit of solutions for the country’s persistent energy crises.
In recent years, he oversaw initiatives aimed at stabilizing power generation and promoting renewable energy investments in line with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 economic roadmap. His leadership was credited with pushing forward delayed energy projects and mobilizing international partnerships despite tough operating conditions.His sudden passing has left a vacuum in one of Zimbabwe’s most strategic sectors.
The late engineer is survived by his wife, Honourable Angeline Gata, their children, and several grandchildren. Family members have described him as a loving father and devoted husband, whose work often took precedence but whose heart remained deeply rooted in family and country.
Deputy Minister Gata, visibly emotional during the President Mnangagwa’s visit, thanked the Head of State and other dignitaries for their support during what she described as a profoundly difficult time. She said the outpouring of condolences from across the country was a reflection of the impact her husband had made in both public service and community upliftment.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, with discussions underway on how best to honour Dr Gata’s contributions to national development. There is growing speculation that he may be accorded national hero status, though official confirmation has not yet been made.
As Zimbabwe mourns the loss of one of its foremost engineers and public servants, tributes continue to pour in from energy experts, business leaders, and ordinary citizens whose lives were touched—directly or indirectly—by Dr Sydney Gata’s enduring legacy.