Harare, (New Ziana) –The late former executive chairman of ZESA Holdings who was conferred national hero status, will be laid to rest on Wednesday at the National Heroes Acre, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa expected to preside over the state-assisted burial.
The revered engineer and energy sector stalwart passed away last week and in honour of his outstanding contribution to the country, the government accorded him the highest honour, and his body has been lying in state at his Chipangayi farm in Rupise, Chipinge, Manicaland province, following a solemn airlift from Harare on Monday.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage said Dr Gata’s remains were transported from Charles Gumbo Barracks to his Borrowdale residence before being airlifted to Manicaland for a provincial farewell on Monday, and returns to Harare on Tuesday, arriving at Manyame Airbase mid afternoon, before being taken to the ZESA Training Centre for colleagues and the public to pay their last respects.
“Yesterday the body of the late national hero was taken from Charles Gumbo Barracks to his Borrowdale Homestead at333 Fairway Avenue, Borrowdale Brook. It was then driven to Manyame Airbase from where the remains of the late national hero were airlifted to Lot 72 Rupise Hotspring, Chipangayi. It lay in state at his farm in Chipangayi, Rupise,” it said.
A final vigil will be held at Charles Gumbo Barracks ahead of Wednesday’s burial, with the government urging Zimbabweans to gather in solidarity for the ceremony, with mourners to be ferried from designated pick-up points.
“Dr Gata was an indefatigable son of the soil whose contributions to Zimbabwe’s energy sector were immense. The nation is called upon to give him a befitting send-off,” said the Ministry.
The burial proceedings begin on Wednesday morning at the National Heroes’ Acre, where dignitaries, ZESA employees, and citizens are expected to gather in large numbers.
Dr Gata, a respected engineer and administrator, played a pivotal role in the power sector, steering ZESA through critical reforms. His recognition as a national hero underscores his enduring impact on the country’s development.
As the nation prepares to bid farewell, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating a life dedicated to progress and nation-building.
New Ziana
