Vongai Masuka

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) described the late Executive Chairman Dr Sydney Gata as a distinguished energy, power and infrastructure development specialist who brought energy solutions in the country.

Dr Gata died yesterday at a local private hospital shortly after a short illness. He was 74.

In a statement, ZESA revealed that it went through a transformation which saw critical power supply issues being resolved. He also implemented far-sighted approaches to achieve reliable delivery and sustainable development across the ZESA family.

“Dr. Gata began his ascent in the energy sector as 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 from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s.

He was then appointed ZESA Executive Chairman in 2001, a position he held until 2006, and was reappointed in November 2019 until his death,” reads the statement.

Beyond his executive roles, Dr. Gata was a respected academic and researcher.

“From 1976 to 1981, he also lectured in Research and Teaching in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at the Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering in London, United Kingdom.

He also served as a City University Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics lecturer in London during the period 1977 to 1980 before returning to Zimbabwe to lecture at the University of Zimbabwe in the Faculty of Engineering from 1981-82.

“Dr. Gata served as a Board member of the World Energy Council Commission (WEC) for three years between 1994-1997,” the statement reads.

Dr. Gata is survived by his wife, the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Angeline Gata, and their children and grandchildren.