ZESA Executive Chairman Sydney Gata Declared a National Hero
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conferred national hero status on Dr Sydney Gata.
The late Zesa Holdings executive chairperson passed away on Thursday after a brief illness.
He was 79.
Also Read: ZESA Executive Chairman Sydney Gata Dies: Cause of Death Revealed
Final Arrangements Underway
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, confirmed that Sydney Gata has been declared a national hero.
He revealed that preparations for Dr Gata’s burial are in motion.
“Yes, Dr Gata has been declared a national hero, with some arrangements to be discussed further. As is the norm, burial arrangements will now be discussed between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the family,” Ambassador Faranisi said.
The burial has been provisionally set for Wednesday.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Energy Development
President Mnangagwa praised Dr Gata as a visionary leader who played a crucial role in modernising Zimbabwe’s energy sector.
“The President himself will lead the nation in paying tribute to a man who committed his life to powering Zimbabwe’s future. Dr Gata was not only a pioneer in energy development but also a patriotic servant of the country,” Ambassador Faranisi noted
Trailblazer and History Maker
Dr Gata broke barriers in 1981 when he became the first black head of the Electricity Supply Commission, a milestone in Zimbabwe’s transformation of key institutions after independence.
During his tenure, he oversaw major expansions in power generation and distribution, extending electricity access to rural communities and driving institutional reforms at Zesa.
Mourners Gather to Honour His Legacy
Mourners are gathered at 333 Fairway Road in Borrowdale Brooke, Harare, to pay their respects.
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