Long time ZESA CEO, Sydney Gata passed away on July 3, 2025, after a short illness. His death was confirmed by ZESA Holdings and widely reported by multiple news outlets. Since his passing, there have been tributes highlighting his long career and contributions to Zimbabwe’s energy sector.

Born in Chipinge, Sydney Gata’s education and academic background include:

  • He studied and specialized in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering.

  • Between 1976 and 1981, he lectured in these fields at several institutions in the United Kingdom:

    • Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering, London

    • City University, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, London

The Life of Sydney Gata

  • Nov 2019 – July 2025: Executive Chairman, ZESA Holdings

    • Reappointed to lead ZESA until his death; oversaw power generation projects and reforms.

  • 2001 – 2006: Executive Chairman, ZESA Holdings

    • First tenure as chairman; oversaw unbundling of ZESA into subsidiaries; dismissed amid corruption allegations.

  • 2000 – 2001: Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ZESA

    • Reappointed CEO before becoming chairman.

  • 1986 – 1991: CEO and Board Member, Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA)

    • Led major infrastructure projects including Hwange Power Station development.

  • 1983 – 1991: Board Member, Central Africa Power Corporation (CAPCO)

    • Served concurrently with ZESA roles.

  • 1981 – 1985: First Black General Manager, Electricity Supply Commission (ESC)

    • Made history as first Black GM; led during early post-independence years.

  • 1981 – 1982: Lecturer, University of Zimbabwe, Faculty of Engineering

    • Taught engineering upon returning from the UK.

  • 1976 – 1981: Lecturer, Chelsea College of Aeronautical Engineering & City University, London

    • Academic career in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering before returning to Zimbabwe.

Sydney Gata has been publicly linked to the following women:

  • Ntombana Regina Gata (née Mugabe):
    She was Sydney Gata’s wife for 35 years. Ntombana Regina is a biotechnologist and the sister of the late former President Robert Mugabe. They married in January 1987 but lived apart since 1992 and divorced in early 2022.

  • Angeline Mayahle (also referred to as Angeline Gata):
    She was Sydney Gata’s partner at the time of his death in 2025. Angeline is the Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education and sister to Moline Mayahle, who reportedly has children with President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This relationship was often cited as a source of Gata’s perceived political protection.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR