Zimbabwe completes 41 days of no loadshedding

The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has celebrated a major operational milestone, achieving 61 days of minimal power outages, including 41 consecutive days without any load shedding - a significant turnaround for the country's struggling power utility.

The announcement was made by Dr George Manyaya, outgoing general manager for Stakeholder Relations, Communication and Welfare at ZESA Holdings, in a farewell message to staff and stakeholders as he concluded his four-year tenure 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," Dr Manyaya stated.

The extended periods of uninterrupted power supply are seen as evidence that the energy initiatives pursued by the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa are yielding results. These measures include the expansion and rehabilitation of Hwange Units 7 and 8, maintenance of existing units Hwange 1 to 6, safeguarding transformers from vandalism, and the integration of renewable energy such as solar, alongside partnerships with Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

Dr Manyaya credited the achievement to teamwork, discipline, patriotism, and unity across ZESA'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, emphasizing that the improved electricity supply has helped reposition ZESA as a critical pillar of the economy and a key enabler of Vision 2030.

Reflecting on ZESA's transformation, Dr Manyaya noted that the utility has emerged from a challenging period marked by low public confidence and strained stakeholder relations. "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.

He expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his leadership and vision, quoting the President's mantra, "Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo," which he said resonates strongly with ZESA's workforce as nation builders. Dr Manyaya also thanked ZESA shareholders, the 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 staff to execute their mandate effectively.

Special commendation was reserved for ZESA acting group chief executive officer, Engineer Cletus Nyachowe, whom Dr Manyaya 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," he said.

Dr Manyaya also praised workers' unions and committees across ZESA, describing them as some of the most disciplined and patriotic representatives he has 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.

Paying tribute to the late national hero and former ZESA executive chairman, Dr Sydney Zivanai Gata, Dr Manyaya acknowledged his role in stabilizing operations and championing worker welfare during challenging times. "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 transitions to a new role as chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Dr Manyaya urged staff to remain united and focused, describing ZESA as his home and family. "Let us not drop the ball. Let unity prevail as we continue to oil the nation into the future," he said, reflecting on the journey of transforming the utility from a battered brand to a more resilient and trusted institution.

Dr Manyaya's tenure at ZESA is being celebrated as a period of growth, improved stakeholder confidence, and operational stability, underscoring his leadership and commitment to Zimbabwe's energy sector.