The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) has completed 41 consecutive days without load shedding, as part of a broader period of 61 days marked by minimal power outages across the country.
The development was announced by the outgoing ZESA Holdings general manager for Stakeholder Relations, Communication and Welfare, Dr George Manyaya, 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,” said Dr Manyaya.
The sustained power supply reflects progress from several initiatives aimed at improving electricity generation under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa. These include the expansion and rehabilitation of Hwange Units 7 and 8, maintenance of existing units at Hwange 1 to 6, and measures to safeguard transformers from vandalism.
ZESA has also increased the use of renewable energy sources such as solar power and strengthened partnerships with Independent Power Producers, which have contributed to improved electricity availability.
Dr Manyaya attributed the milestone to teamwork, discipline, patriotism and unity across the entire electricity 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.
He said the improved electricity supply has helped reposition ZESA as a key pillar of the economy and an enabler of Vision 2030, adding that the utility has emerged from a period of strained public confidence and 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,” said Dr Manyaya.
He thanked President Mnangagwa for his leadership and vision, quoting the President’s mantra “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,” which he said strongly resonates with the ZESA workforce.
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 and an enabling environment for operations.
He commended acting group chief executive officer Engineer Cletus Nyachowe for what he described as decisive leadership and operational focus, urging staff to continue supporting him. Dr Manyaya also praised workers’ unions and committees for maintaining operations while advocating for employee welfare.
In his farewell remarks, Dr Manyaya paid tribute to the late national hero and former ZESA executive chairman, Dr Sydney Zivanai Gata, acknowledging his role in stabilising operations during difficult periods.
As he takes up another national assignment after being appointed Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive officer, Dr Manyaya said he remains committed to supporting ZESA and called on staff to remain united and focused as the utility moves forward.
