By 
By Ross Moyo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday presided over the burial of Dr. Sydney Zikuzo Gata, the Executive Chairman of ZESA Holdings, at the National Heroes Acre, honoring him as a “distinguished son of Zimbabwe” whose contributions to the energy sector and national development were both profound and enduring.
Dr. Gata, who passed away on 3 July 2025, was laid to rest with full military honors, joining an elite group of national heroes remembered for their service to the country in various spheres beyond the liberation struggle.
In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa described the late engineer as a patriotic and selfless technocrat whose leadership in Zimbabwe’s energy sector significantly shaped national progress.
“Dr. Gata’s selfless dedication and commitment went far beyond his official responsibilities. He was a notable specialist in the field of electricity, a guru in engineering, and a loyal servant of the nation,” said the President.
“His passing is a great loss to Zimbabwe.”
*Legacy of Leadership and Service*
At a farewell event held the day prior at ZESA Training Centre in Belvedere, Harare, Dr. John Mangudya, CEO of the Mutapa Investment Fund, hailed Dr. Gata’s immense contribution to state-owned enterprises under the fund’s mandate.
“At Mutapa, we regarded him as a reservoir of knowledge. His institutional memory, strategic foresight, and technical oversight were crucial to the turnaround of key entities under our stewardship,” said Dr. Mangudya.
Dr. Gata served as Executive Chairman of ZESA Holdings, which operates under the Mutapa Investment Fund—formerly the Sovereign Wealth Fund of Zimbabwe—a key instrument for managing national investments and fostering sustainable economic growth.
*A Family Man and Community Pillar*
Speaking on behalf of the family, Henry Takudzwa Gata, Dr. Gata’s firstborn son, praised his father’s deep commitment to education and community upliftment.
“He ensured that every member of the extended Gata family had access to education. His involvement in community and national energy projects was unmatched,” said Henry.
“He inspired us to ‘stay hungry,’ a phrase he admired from Steve Jobs, symbolizing lifelong ambition and the drive to keep pushing boundaries.”
Henry recalled how his father used his own opportunities to uplift others—funding education, mentoring young professionals, and leading impactful development projects at both local and regional levels.
A Life of Service and National Impact
Dr. Gata’s contributions to Zimbabwe’s energy infrastructure spanned decades, and his leadership helped stabilize and reform one of the country’s most critical sectors. His career was marked by both technical excellence and visionary policy implementation.
President Mnangagwa acknowledged Dr. Gata’s exemplary service as part of a new generation of national heroes—those recognized for distinguished contributions in post-independence governance, diplomacy, industry, and commerce.
“Those who ascend to this revered hill stand as a symbol of true patriotism and persistent commitment to our motherland. Dr. Gata was molded in this image,” the President said.
Mourners, including senior government officials, the diplomatic corps, and ordinary citizens, turned out in large numbers to bid farewell to a man widely regarded as a unifier, a mentor, and a nation builder.
Dr. Gata is survived by his wife, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Angeline Gata, and their children. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe’s development.
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