Zesa completes 41 days of no loadshedding

THE Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority has recorded a major operational milestone, completing 61 days of minimal power outages, including 41 consecutive days without any load shedding at all, marking a significant turnaround for the country’s power utility.

The achievement was revealed by the outgoing general manager for Stakeholder Relations, Communication and Welfare at ZESA Holdings, Dr George Manyaya, in a farewell message to staff and stakeholders, as he concluded his tenure after four years of service in Harare yesterday.

“Let this be known in history that as I leave today, ZESA marks 41 days of continuous non-load shedding, yes, none and 61 days of only one hour load shedding at peak,” said Dr Manyaya.

The long periods of uninterrupted power supply show that the several initiatives being pursued by the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa to improve energy generation are bearing fruit. They include the expansion and rehabilitation of Hwange Units 7 and 8 and attending to existing units, Hwange 1 to 6 and safeguarding transformers from vandalism.

There has also been use of renewable energy such as solar and partnerships through Independent Power Producers (IPPs), thus guaranteeing supply.

Dr Manyaya attributed the milestone to teamwork, discipline, patriotism and unity across the utility’s entire value chain, from generation to transmission and distribution.

“The machines are running at Hwange and Kariba, and they will continue to run, powering our nation forward,” he said.

The improved electricity supply has helped reposition ZESA as a critical pillar of the economy and a key enabler of Vision 2030

Dr Manyaya said ZESA emerged from a difficult past marked by battered public confidence and strained stakeholder relations and is now marching forward.

“The public now knows our true story. We are no longer afraid of scrutiny, for we have nothing to hide. Transparency became our shield, truth our voice and unity our strength,” he said.

Dr Manyaya thanked President Mnangagwa for his leadership and vision.

He then quoted the President’s mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”, which he said resonates strongly with the ZESA workforce as nation builders.

Dr Manyaya also expressed gratitude to ZESA shareholders, Mutapa Investment Fund, the Board and the Ministry of Energy and Power Development for providing policy direction, strategic oversight and an enabling environment that allowed management and staff to execute their mandate effectively.

He reserved special commendation for Zesa acting group chief executive officer Engineer Cletus Nyachowe, whom he credited for decisive leadership and operational focus.

“He has hit the ground running, driving initiatives across operations and improving the welfare of workers.

“I urge staff to continue giving him unwavering support as he preaches unity, discipline and results,” said Dr Manyaya.

He also applauded workers’ unions and committees across the ZESA family, describing them as some of the most disciplined and patriotic worker representatives he has ever encountered.

“While firmly advocating for workers’ welfare, they ensured that generation, transmission and distribution never failed, and the nation was never brought to a standstill,” he said.

Dr Manyaya also paid tribute to the late national hero and former ZESA executive chairman, Dr Sydney Zivanai Gata, acknowledging his role in stabilising operations and championing worker welfare and retention during challenging periods.

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing,” he said, adding that Dr Gata’s legacy remains firmly embedded in the institution and the country’s energy story.

As he takes up another national assignment, Dr Manyaya said he remains committed to supporting ZESA’s mandate, urging staff to remain united and focused.

“ZESA is my home. ZESA is my family. Let us not drop the ball. Let unity prevail as we continue to oil the nation, into the future,” he said.

“Over the past four years, you stood with me steadfast, committed and professional. In your different roles and capacities, you made my mandate lighter, my task clearer, and my resolve stronger.

“I say this without hesitation, you made the work possible.”

Dr Manyaya reminisced the journey he travelled from the day he started work at Zesa, the challenges faced and how teamwork helped to overcome them.

“It is no secret that when we began this journey, our brand was battered and bruised by the omissions and commissions of the past. Stakeholder confidence was fragile, relationships were strained, and public trust was thin. But together, we chose a different path.

“We crafted and implemented an engagement strategy internally and externally not because it was easy, but because it was necessary,” he said.

Dr Manyaya was recently appointed Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive officer, in a show of confidence in his leadership.

_Herald_