Online Reporter
Dr Masimba Mavaza
Correspondent
As I write, my hands are shaky, my mind does not allow the free flow of words. My eyes are watering warm tears.
I am unable to compile all my feelings into words.
I feel too little even to write my heart out because I have assembled the audacity to write about the real-life heroine and fallen soldiers.
Cabby Winnie Mandeya. Whenever I sit and close my eyes for a second and think, I fail to comprehend the plight of a person who knew that death was standing in front of her yet she marched to protect those she has had never seen or met.
We pay our tribute and extend our heartfelt gratitude to our soldier who relentlessly served the nation with utmost sincerity and devotion.
We thank Winnie Mandeya for standing strong during the toughest of hours to protect the integrity and sovereignty of Zimbabwe.
Today, we honour the life and legacy of a true national heroine, a woman whose courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to our nation has left an indelible mark on our collective history.
In Air Vice Marshal Mandeya, we have lost a legend.
Mandeya’s passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Mandeya became the first Air Force of Zimbabwe woman to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal, a rank equivalent to a Major-General.
As she assumed her new role, she committed to work for the well-being of Zimbabweans, especially on issues affecting women, their empowerment and inclusion.
She was promoted along with fellow Air Commodore Patrick Moyo. The Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda handed over the new insignia.
To sum up her achievements, General Sibanda said the elevation demonstrated the trust that the President had in AVM Mandeya.
“The elevation meant a higher responsibility that demands good judgment, discipline, loyalty and hard work,” General Sibanda commented.
Winnie Mandeya met the expectation and went further to be a shining star.
AVM Mandeya’s death is a tragic loss of potential and promise, all blown away in a flash.
The national heroine is a bundle of a sacrifice which will forever be remembered. If a heroine dies in the line of duty or in service to others, her sacrifice will always be remembered and honoured.
Winnie is a shining light extinguished
AVM Mandeya’s death should be seen as a loss of inspiration and guidance, leaving others to carry on their legacy. Despite her passing, her impact on the world remains, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
She has lived above everything and achieved what was never thought to be achieved by a woman.
Her life was a testament to the power of selflessness, a shining example of what it means to put the needs of others before one’s own. She stood tall in the face of adversity, her spirit unbroken and her resolve unwavering.
We remember her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality. She was a beacon of hope in a world often shrouded in darkness, a reminder that even in the most trying times, there are those who will stand up for what is right.
Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, the communities she empowered, and the future generations she inspired.
We take comfort in the knowledge that her spirit will continue to guide us, her memory a reminder of the transformative power of love, compassion, and service.
As we bid our final farewell, we do so with heavy hearts, yet also with a sense of gratitude for the gift of her life.
May her memory be a blessing to us all, and may we strive to emulate her example of selfless service and unwavering dedication to our nation.
Vice Marshal (Retired) Winnie Mandeya was 64. Our retirement age is now 70 years.
Air Vice Marshal Mandeya died late Sunday evening at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare.
The painful news, was confirmed by the Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede, who said the Air Vice Marshal served the AFZ with dedication and loyalty since 1984.
Mandeya was born on July 14 in 1960, in Rusape.
Her journey was marked by groundbreaking achievements.
AVM Mandeya was among the cadres who survived the Chimoio attack.
“The Air Force of Zimbabwe family is saddened by the passing on of Air Vice Marshal Winnie Cabby Mandeya (Retired) on April 28, 2025. She was a determined cadre who served the Air Force of Zimbabwe since 1984 and a liberation war heroine,” said Air Marshal Nzvede.
As a very young girl of 15, she joined the liberation struggle and successfully completed basic military training at Nachingweya, Tanzania, and was deployed in Gaza Province where she operated until 1978 when she was selected for a nursing course.
At independence, she joined the President’s Department where she actively participated in the commission of inquiry into missing persons in 1981.
As an intelligence officer Winnie excelled in all she was assigned to do.
In the back of her mind she had always wanted to fly. She later transferred to the Air Force of Zimbabwe on July 1, 1984.
Today, we are saluting the heroine who protected our freedom with unmatched valour.
We mourn, but with hope and knowledge that the courage and dedication of Winnie inspire us all.
We join the women of Zimbabwe in lifting up their voices in stating that Winnie is the pride of our nation.
The brave heart Winnie trained in the solemn silence of everyday life. Where no poetic flourish could disturb the joys of quiet existence. Yet, in the dawn-lit stillness, she burst forth with such proud fanfare. Mandeya was guardian of our land, standing side by side with other heroes.
She shone so bright that today in the dark moments of her death our path is bright as her light illuminated the sky.
With the heart of steel and spirits so bright, Winnie protected our freedom, day and night.
Winnie Mandeya’s life is a testimony to courage and grace, she faced danger and did not lose pace.
Proving true to the love of her country, she stood tall ready for the nation’s call to action.
For family and nation, Winnie gave her all, standing firm, she never let us fall.
Today is not merely a mourning day, but a tribute to the noble soul dedicated to the service of the citizens.
AVM Mandeya on her promotion said, “It was impressive to note that the ZDF was walking the talk in the upliftment of women even calling for more inclusion of women in all spheres.
“It should be our combined endeavour to sustain growth of women involvement and ensure that it is socially inclusive. We must ensure that every section of our society, particularly the disadvantaged, are equal partners in, and beneficiaries of the development process,” she said.
Winnie was full of hope. She said these words after her promotion
“I am fully aware of the great responsibilities placed on my humble shoulders. I will continue to do the best like I have done before.”
AVM Moyo remained loyal to both the army and the country.
We pray that God will comfort the Mandeya family.
AVM Winnie is survived by her only child (son) Valentine Munyaradzi Mandeya.
