Dr Gata
By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe is mourning the passing of Dr. Sydney Zikuzo Gata, the Executive Chairman of ZESA Holdings, who died on 3 July 2025 at a local hospital after a short illness. Dr Gata’s departure marks the end of an era in Zimbabwe’s energy sector — one shaped by vision, resilience, and a lifelong dedication to public service.
Born in 1945, Dr. Gata rose to become one of Zimbabwe’s foremost energy and infrastructure development strategists. He made history in 1981 when he became the first black General Manager of the Electricity Supply Commission (ESC), a milestone that symbolised the transformation of national institutions in post-independence Zimbabwe.
Dr. Gata’s career spanned over four decades, during which he played pivotal roles in shaping Zimbabwe’s electricity and power systems. He served as CEO and Board Member of the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s and was later appointed Executive Chairman of ZESA from 2001 to 2006. He returned to the helm in November 2019, a position he held until his death.
His tenure at ZESA was marked by unwavering dedication to ensuring energy security for Zimbabwe, under a very doffivult time where power generation levels have drastically dropped. Under his leadership, the organisation pursued reforms to stabilise power supply, restore infrastructure, and increase access to electricity, especially in rural areas. His bold decisions often came at difficult times for the country, and he remained steadfast in his belief that energy was the backbone of economic development.
Dr. Gata’s contributions extended beyond Zimbabwe’s borders. On 3 July 2025 — the very day he passed on — the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) honoured him as a regional power sector legend during its 30th Anniversary Awards Gala in Harare. He was recognised for his foundational role in the formation and evolution of SAPP, an institution key to regional electricity cooperation and integration within the SADC region.
Before returning home to serve his country, Dr. Gata made a mark in academia. Between 1976 and 1980, he lectured in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at renowned institutions in the United Kingdom, including Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering and City University London. He later joined the University of Zimbabwe as a lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering from 1981 to 1982, nurturing a new generation of Zimbabwean engineers.
Dr. Gata’s expertise was globally recognised. He served as a Board Member of the World Energy Council from 1992 to 1994, and as Deputy Chairman of the Council’s Studies Committee. His guidance and counsel were sought by international institutions such as the African Development Bank and Integrated Energy Systems Ltd (UK), reflecting the breadth of his influence.
A man of immense intellect and enduring patriotism, Dr. Gata was also deeply devoted to family and faith. He is survived by his wife, Hon. Angeline Gata, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, as well as his children and grandchildren.
The nation has lost a pioneer, a mentor, and a national servant whose work will continue to illuminate our future — quite literally.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
