ZESA Holdings executive chairman, Sydney Gata, who died yesterday morning, has been described as a distinguished energy, power and infrastructure development specialist who dedicated his life to advancing energy solutions and infrastructure development.
Gata passed away at the age of 79 after a short illness.
The power utility confirmed his death, saying he passed away at a local hospital yesterday.
“It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we share the news of the untimely passing of Dr Sydney Zikuzo Gata, a distinguished energy, power and infrastructure development specialist, and the executive chairman of Zesa Holdings,” the parastatal said in a statement yesterday morning.
“He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to the energy sector. He dedicated his life to advancing energy solutions and infrastructure development.”
Zesa said his illustrious career spanned several decades, during which he served as “a beacon of hope” for the nation and an inspiration to many.
“His leadership at Zesa transformed the organisation during some of its most challenging times, addressing critical power supply issues.”
“Gata’s visionary approach saw the introduction of strategic reforms that improved service delivery and was passionate about the welfare of the entire Zesa family.”
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Gata was the first black general manager of the Electricity Supply Commission (ESC) from 1981 to 1985.
He then served as CEO and board member of Zesa in the mid‑1980s to early 1990s.
He was appointed Zesa executive chairman from 2001 to 2006, and was appointed to the same position in November 2019 until the time of his death.
During the period 1976-81, Gata made an impact in research and teaching in the fields of mechanical and aeronautical engineering.
In 1976, he lectured at the Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering in London, the United Kingdom.
He also lectured at the City University Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics in London, the United Kingdom during the period 1977 to 1980 before he came back to Zimbabwe to lecture at the University of Zimbabwe in the Faculty of Engineering during the period 1981-1982.
Furthermore, Gata served as a coard member of the World Energy Council Commission (WEC) for a three-year period between 1992 and 1994.
He also served as deputy chairman of the WEC Studies Committee.
During his career, he held advisory and board roles at the World Energy Council, African Development Bank and Integrated Energy Systems Ltd (UK), among others.
He is survived by his wife, Primary and Secondary Education deputy minister Angeline Gata, children and grandchildren.
