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Today, the nation comes together to honour and remember a revered national heroine, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Winnie Mandeya, during a funeral at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
The ceremony will serve as both a farewell and a celebration of her lasting legacies, particularly her impact during and after the liberation struggle.
Thousands are expected to gather at the National Shrine this morning to pay their respects, mourn and celebrate her life.
Our reporters, Harmony Agere and Wallace Ruzvidzo, will provide live coverage of the burial, while Believe Nyakudjara and Wilson Kakurira will capture the moments through pictures and videos.
Join us in giving the national heroine a befitting send-off
All Set for National Heroine’s Burial
All is set for the burial of national heroine Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Winnie Mandeya at the National Heroes Acre.
President Mnangagwa is expected to preside over the proceedings.
Mourners from all corners of the country started arriving at the National Shrine by 7 am.
This burial comes barely a few days after the double burial of national heroes, Retired Brigadier-General Victor Rungani and former President’s Department director, Cde Walter Basopo.
Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Mandeya, who died on Monday morning, will join 16 other heroines buried at the National Heroes Acre. She was 64.
Her body was flown to Mutanzi Village in Goromonzi District yesterday morning and later to Tazvinzwa Primary School in Chiendambuya, her birthplace in Manicaland Province, for farewell ceremonies before being flown back to Harare ahead of today’s burial.
Zimbabweans converge for burial of national heroine
Zimbabweans have converged at the National Heroes Acre this morning for the burial of national heroine Air Vice Marshal Winnie Mandeya.
Cabinet Ministers, senior Government officials, top Zanu PF leadership, service chiefs, and religious community members are already gathered at the national shrine.
Various choirs are entertaining the crowd as they await the arrival of President Mnangagwa.
Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Mandeya’s body arrives
The body of national heroine Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Winnie Mandeya has arrived.
This will be followed by the expected arrival of President Mnangagwa shortly.
President Mnangagwa arrives
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the National Heroes Acre for the burial of national heroine Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Winnie Mandeya.
Official proceedings begin
The funeral procession led by President Mnangagwa is now over.
The Master of Ceremony, Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is the acting Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage takes to the podium to mark the beginning of official proceedings.
‘Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Mandeya was a barrier breaker’
Minister Ziyambi invites the Mandeya family representative, Mr Tapiwa Mandeya, to the podium.
In giving his eulogy, the family representative of the late national heroine described her as a barrier breaker.
He said that the Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) had shown that women could lead at the highest level.
“She carried the torch of justice…placing the needs of the people above.
“She was more than a leader…,” said Mr Tapiwa Mandeya.
He went on to express gratitude to President Mnangagwa for according the Air Vice Marshal national hero status.
Mandeya a model of patriotism, humility and hard work: President Mnangagwa
President Mnangagwa has praised national heroine, Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Winnie Mandeya, as a pioneering figure whose life and work symbolised unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe’s liberation and development.
In his keynote address, the President highlighted her legacy as part of a generation of women who broke barriers in the fight for national independence.
“Cde Mandeya played a critical role during the liberation struggle, collaborating with various key figures.
“Her commitment extended beyond the ceasefire period, as she remained in Mozambique to support the ongoing efforts before eventually returning home to serve the country in various governmental roles.
“She later joined the Air Force of Zimbabwe, where her contribution continued through her service in the security sector,” said President Mnangagwa.
Her life, according to the President, stands as a model of patriotism, humility, and hard work.
President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of reflecting national love and pride in all professional and personal endeavours.
He urged citizens to consider whether their actions contribute to the country’s growth and development, calling for a new generation of heroes and heroines to rise from all sectors of society.
Particularly addressing women in the security forces, he encouraged them to uphold the sovereignty and dignity of the nation with the same dedication that Cde Mandeya demonstrated throughout her life.
The President concluded by urging all Zimbabweans to emulate Cde Mandeya’s spirit, reinforcing her legacy as a symbol of selfless national service and enduring commitment to Zimbabwe’s future.
President Mnangagwa hands over flag to Mandeya family
President Mnangagwa has handed over the National Flag to a representative of the Mandeya family.
Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Mandeya buried
National heroine Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Mandeya has been laid to rest at the National Heroes Acre.
Members of the military performed a 13-gun salute in honour of Cde Mandeya, before lowering the casket into the grave.
Online Reporter