Story by Bruce Chahwanda
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has described the late ZESA Holdings Executive Chairperson, Dr Sydney Gata, as a man of high integrity and a giant in the country’s energy sector.
He was speaking at the Gata family residence in Borrowdale, Harare, this Saturday, where he led mourners in paying their respects.
Joining the President were ZANU PF Politburo members from Manicaland Province, Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Dr Martin Rushwaya, Deputy Ministers, senior government officials, and ZESA Holdings representatives.
In his address, President Mnangagwa hailed Dr Gata’s immense contribution to the modernisation of the country’s energy sector.
“I want to thank Dr Gata. He was a brilliant young man, a man of high integrity who contributed immensely to our country’s energy sector. As a government, I feel we did not reward him enough for his role in developing the sector and for the ideas we will continue to implement. He has truly done well for his country,” he said
The head of state noted that Dr Gata served the nation with distinction despite being vilified.
“Dr Gata served his country with distinction. He was vilified left, right and centre, but that is often the fate of those who excel. He remained focused on delivering what was expected of him and continued to do well. He died a noble death. In his profession, very few possess his level of distinction, combining both quality and simplicity. He appeared simple, yet he had incredible depth,” he noted.
Turning to the widow, President Mnangagwa encouraged her to keep working hard and focus on taking care of the children.
“Life continues. These children need your guidance, so you must be strong. They have a bright future, and we will assist them. As their mother, you must care for them with the help of your friends, you are not alone in this,” he added.
Dr Gata’s accomplishments in the energy sector include Hwange Power Station Phases 1 and 2, the main transmission system, and the urban and rural electrification master plan, which significantly modernised the nation’s energy infrastructure.
He also served in high-profile positions in international organisations, including the World Energy Council.
Dr. Gata died on Thursday after a short illness at the age of 79.
He is survived by his wife, Honourable Angeline Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, along with children and grandchildren.
