Tendai Gukutikwa in CHIPINGETHE late national hero and former Zesa Holdings executive chairperson, Dr Sydney Gata, has been hailed as a visionary leader and principled patriot whose legacy will continue to shape Zimbabwe’s development agenda for generations.At a memorial service held on Saturday at his Middle Sabi farm in Chipinge, senior Government officials, ZANU PF leaders, colleagues and community members paid tribute to the late energy expert’s decades of service to the nation, both at the helm of the power utility and in advancing the broader national vision.Dr Gata, who died last month, was declared a national hero in recognition of his pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s economic growth, particularly through his transformative leadership in the energy sector.Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa praised Dr Gata for his discipline, work ethic and unwavering commitment to national progress.“He was very principled He worked on economic enablers across the country so that the people of Zimbabwe can reach Vision 2030 Let us emulate his leadership Despite being the CEO of Zesa, he treated fellow employees with respect and honour,” she said.Minister Mutsvangwa added that Dr Gata’s dedication to national service went far beyond titles or positions.“We should revere these heroes
Among many other qualities, he was a hero because he knew how to preserve and advance the nation’s history and development Dr Gata was a nationalist, a true patriot,” she said.She also described him as a devoted family man and gender champion, who supported and mentored his wife, Deputy Minister Angeline Gata, in her political journey.ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa lauded Dr Gata as a trailblazer in the regional energy sector.“He was the energy guru who implemented the Southern Africa Power Pool He was the guru that connected SADC when it came to power,” he said, adding that the late national hero’s principles would continue to guide the country’s journey towards Vision 2030.Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Gata’s widow, Primary and Secondary Education Deputy Minister Angeline Gata, said the loss still felt unreal.“My dearest husband loved me inside out He made me kinder and braver,” she said.“He taught me to grow bigger than the problems.“He might be gone but he is forever in our hearts.“He was my confidant and my safe place.“Losing him is very painful.”Zesa acting chief executive officer Engineer Cletus Nyachowe described Dr Gata as energetic, passionate and deeply committed to bringing power to the people.“Dr Gata had great respect for communities across Zimbabwe
He was a legend He didn’t only lay the foundation, he was a builder with a clear plan,” said Eng Nyachowe.“By 2030, he envisioned that every Zimbabwean, both in cities and rural areas, should have access to electricity That was his dream, and we remain committed to fulfilling it.”Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave
Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald
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Source: Herald
