Online Reporter
Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
THE widow to the late Cde Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena, national hero and former commander of the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra), Mrs Sikhubekiso Madeya Mangena, has died.
She was 69.
Mrs Mangena passed away at her Manningdale home last night, a close family member Mrs Sithandekile Moyo confirmed.
“My sister died at home in Manningdale after a brief illness. She is survived by her son Lotshe. Mourners will be gathered at 104 Tiffin Road Manningdale,” said Mrs Moyo.
The late Mrs Mangena met President Mnangagwa in May 2023 where she described her husband as a dedicated cadre to the independence of his country.
One of the pioneers of the armed struggle, Cde Mangena was killed in a landmine explosion in southern Zambia in 1978.
His remains were reburied at the national shrine on August 11, 1998.
When Zapu’s military wing was reconstituted and renamed Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (Zipra) in 1971 following the departure of the Chikerema-Nyandoro group, Cde Mangena was appointed Commander of Zipra with Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo as acting Commander-in-Chief.
Cde Mangena also became a member of the Zimbabwe’s People’s Revolutionary Council.
Under his command, Zipra matured and grew from strength to strength and developed into a well-organised and disciplined force within a short space of time.
Government has since named the cantonment, which houses the Zimbabwe National Defence University and other institutions the Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena Barracks.
