This is the biography of Sydney Gata, a notable figure in Zimbabwe’s energy sector, having held various positions within ZESA Holdings, the country’s state-owned electricity company.
Background
Originating from Chipinge, Zimbabwe, Gata has been involved in the fields of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, contributing to both academia and industry.
Academic Contributions
Gata’s academic career includes lecturing at the Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering in London and at the University of Zimbabwe, where he focused on engineering disciplines.
Sydney Gata Professional Experience
Sydney Gata Biography [Image: X]
He is recognised for his tenure as the chairman of ZESA Holdings, serving from 2001 to 2006 and then from 2019. His leadership has been a subject of public discussion, with his reappointment in 2019 drawing both support and criticism.
In 2020, President Mnangagwa suspended Gata pending investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission. The commission cleared him and the following month, Gata was reinstated.
Sydney Gata Board Memberships
Gata has served on the board of the World Energy Council Commission and as Deputy Chairman of the WEC Studies Committee, highlighting his involvement in global energy discourse. He was also a Reader and Peer Review Advisor to the African Development Bank.
Sydney Gata Controversies
Sydney Gata has been involved in several controversies, particularly related to his position at ZESA Holdings. Some of the allegations against him include:
- Self-allocation of vehicles: It was alleged that he allocated six vehicles for personal and family use.
- Unauthorized expenditures: He was accused of authorizing an expenditure of ZW$10 million for Christmas parties in Hwange and Kariba in 2019 without Board approval.
- Installation of solar equipment: There were claims that he installed solar equipment at his residence in Borrowdale using ZESA funds.
- Creation of a Trust: He reportedly set up a Trust called ZESIT to undertake several ZESA projects.
- Interference with disciplinary processes: Specifically, the case of Mrs. Norah Tsomondo, the Company Secretary of the Zimbabwe Power Company (Pvt) Limited, was mentioned.
- Payment of ghost employees: Allegations were made that he authorized the payment of ghost employees and his personal workers on the ZESA payroll under the misrepresentation that they were employed by ZESA.
Personal Life
Sydney Gata Biography [Image: Newshawks]
Sydney Gata’s personal personal life has garnered attention due to his relationships and family connections. He was married to Ntombana Regina Gata, who is related to the late President Robert Mugabe. This marriage ended in divorce in January 2022.
Additionally, Angeline Mayahle, reported to be Gata’s wife, is the sister to Moline Mayahle, who reportedly has children with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In 2020, he survived an assassination attempt after gunmen shot at his car along Airport Road in Harare.
References
- ZESA Boss Sydney Gata Divorces Mugabe’s Sister – ZimEye
- Dr Sydney Zikuzo Gata – Bloomberg
- ZESA Chief Sydney Gata Survives Assassination Attempt – Zimbabwe Mail
