By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
Harare, Zimbabwe – As the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) celebrated its 38th Anniversary Dinner in Harare, ZESA Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Sydney Gata, offered a poignant look back at the organization’s foundational years, highlighting its remarkable journey from a critical drought response mechanism to a beacon of regional energy cooperation.
The prestigious event, attended by SADC Ministers of Energy and Water during their joint meeting, underscored the indispensable role SAPP plays in the region’s energy security.
Speaking passionately about his personal experiences as one of SAPP’s founding members, Eng. Gata recounted the challenging genesis of the power pool. He recalled the severe drought of 1992, which crippled power generation in Zimbabwe and Zambia, contrasting it with South Africa’s vast excess capacity from its coal-fired power plants.
This disparity, coupled with South Africa’s independence in 1994, created an unprecedented opportunity for regional collaboration.
Gata detailed the pioneering bilateral arrangements that followed, notably the agreement between ZESA and Eskom. This led to the construction of a groundbreaking interconnector through Botswana, bridging the predominantly hydro-based northern region with the thermo-based south.
The commissioning of the Song of Bimura Line linking Mozambique to Zimbabwe in 1996 further cemented these vital trading links, optimizing the flow of power across diverse generation systems.
A point of particular pride for Zimbabwe, Eng. Gata noted, was ZESA’s successful bid to host the SAPP Coordination Centre in Harare in 1996. This decision, stemming from the SADC Energy Ministers’ agreement in 1990 to establish SAPP, has made Harare a central hub for regional power operations.
The early days were not without hurdles. Gata highlighted the formidable communication barriers among representatives from 12 countries, speaking English, Portuguese, and French. Yet, through collective determination, these were overcome, leading to agreed planning standards and operational protocols that fostered a stable interconnected system and robust power trading.
Perhaps one of SAPP’s most significant achievements, as emphasized by Gata, is its impeccable financial record. “SAPP markets have never defaulted on payments to this day,” he proudly declared, a testament to the discipline and commitment instilled from its inception.
He also touched upon the successful resolution of complex technical issues, such as the “small signal oscillations problems,” through collaborative efforts and expert consultation.
Eng. Gata’s remarks painted a vivid picture of SAPP’s foundational principles: resource pooling, mutual assistance, and disciplined cooperation. As SADC continues to push for greater energy integration, the legacy and lessons from SAPP’s 38-year journey remain invaluable for powering the region’s future.
