PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is today expected to preside over the burial of Dr Sydney Gata, the ZESA executive chairman who has been described by family, neighbours and associates as a unifier whose political consciousness enabled him to play a crucial role in uniting Zanu PF and ZANU Ndonga.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage urged Zimbabweans to come out in their numbers to bid farewell to the son of the soil.
“Following the conferment of national hero status on the late Executive Chairman of Zesa Holdings by His Excellency, the President, Cde Dr ED Mnangangwa, the nation is advised that his burial will be on Wednesday (today), July 9, 2025. His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, will preside over this burial,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Burial proceedings will commence at the national shrine tomorrow (today), Wednesday, and mourners will be picked at the usual pick up points. Zimbabweans are urged to come in their numbers to give befitting send-off to this indefatigable Son of the Soil.”
On the sidelines of his send-off at his Lot 72, Rupise Hot Springs Farm in Chipangayi resettlement area in Chipinge yesterday, people said the former ZESA Holdings executive chairman is an irreplaceable helping hand abruptly cut off, whose void will be deeply felt owing to numerous developmental projects that he initiated, some which are yet to be completed.
The send-off service was held on Monday night and culminated into yesterday’s body viewing, where several provincial senior Government officials, and the late Dr Gata’s widow, who is Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Angeline Gata, were in attendance.
Soon after the body viewing mid-morning, Dr Gata’s body was taken to Buffalo Range Airstrip in Chiredzi, where it was airlifted to Manyame Airbase in Harare ahead of today’s interment at the national shrine.
Member of the House of Assembly for Chipinge Central, Raymore Machingura, said at the time of his death, Dr Gata had initiated a mega irrigation power supply project that was meant to restore the Chipangayi greenbelt status.
Cde Machingura said: “A lot has been said about him (Dr Gata). I think this is the reason the Head of State and Government President Emmerson Mnangagwa saw it fit to declare him a national hero. As Chipinge, we appreciate getting such an honour.
“The works that he did, although he did not publicly vouch for any office, Dr Gata stood for the interests of his party Zanu PF. He supported the party of his choice and did so in action as he championed several developmental projects, particularly in his area of expertise which was the energy sector.
“His departure actually leaves a void. When it comes to ordinary people, he did so much in uniting the people of Zanu PF and ZANU Ndonga.
“He made efforts to mediate between Zanu PF and ZANU Ndonga until eventually the late Ndabaningi Sithole was conferred with national hero status.
“There was healing of wounds. There was less animosity between former members of ZANU Ndonga and us in Zanu PF. It is a remarkable achievement that is befittingly accorded to him.
“The acceptance for former ZANU Ndonga leader Wilson Khumbula, who is now a Zanu PF Central Committee member, is also a living testimony of the unifying work that Dr Gata did during his lifetime.”
Former Chipinge district Ward 20 Councilor Hlekani Mtetwa, said: “We have lost a good man in Dr Gata. Particularly here in Chipinge, more so, for us who were more of fellow national
hero Ndabaningi Sithole’s disciples.
“We had several meetings with Dr Gata here at his farm and at former ZANU Ndonga leader Wilson Tarugarira Khumbula’s farm, all in efforts to unite ZANU PF and ZANU Ndonga. It was a success.
“Dr Gata’s story can never be deemed complete without mention of his key role in uniting the two political parties — Zanu PF and ZANU Ndonga here in Chipinge.
“For those who lived during the time that ZANU Ndonga was a household name in Chipinge and surrounding areas, they would better understand the enormous work that was required to bring everyone to the table and speak with one voice.”
Dr Gata’s first born son, Henry Takudzwa Gata, said his father lent a helping hand to the family and the community at large.
“I think everyone agrees that my father did a lot in trying to help everyone, at individual level up to community and national level. He was very helpful in ensuring that everyone from the Gata extended family goes to school.
“His input in community development projects, with a bias to his chosen energy sector work, is beyond reproach. The same goes for his input towards national and regional energy sector development work.”
The late Dr Gata’s young brother, Henry Gondai Gata — the eighth born in a family of 10 children of six boys and four girls, where Dr Gata was the fourth born — said: “Dr Gata helped many people, especially in attaining educational qualifications, particularly in the Gata extended family.
“The man provided food on a monthly basis to numerous families both from the Gata extended family as well as other community members. He was a kind man.”
-Zimpapers
