A Life of Bitterness Faced by Winnie Cabby Mandeya After Leaving the Air Force

By Dr. Masimba Mavaza

The story of Winnie Mandeya is a testament to the impact of neglect and a lack of recognition on individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Despite her achievements and contributions, she faced significant challenges and hardships, including being forced to leave her government house without a place to call her own.

In the shadows of history, there are countless lives marked by struggle, sacrifice, and unrelenting dedication. One such life is that of Cabby Winnie Mandeya, a hero whose contributions were recognized by the President and the nation. However, the treatment she received from her own colleagues left behind a legacy of bitterness and unfulfilled potential. Winnie, our heroine, was promoted to be the first female Air Vice Marshal of the Zimbabwean Air Force.

Winnie was someone who prioritized the needs and well-being of others over her own interests and desires. She often put others first, showing kindness, compassion, and generosity without expecting anything in return.

Consequently, she left the air force without a farm and without her own house. Even though the air force knew she had no house of her own, they evicted her from the government house a few months after her retirement, despite her pleas for time to arrange her accommodation. They disrespected her and tarnished her legacy. It was only after the intervention of some comrades that she was granted a few more months to stay. Winnie never wanted to use her position to gain personal advantages. She had always said, “I did not fight to enrich myself. If something is not given to me, I will not take it.”

Winnie consistently fought to put others before herself. She prioritized their needs, often sacrificing her own time, energy, and resources. She was full of empathy and compassion, understanding and caring about the feelings and struggles of others, offering support and kindness. Despite being treated poorly, Mandeya maintained a smiling face.

Winnie freely gave her time, resources, and energy to help others, without expecting recognition or reward. As a result, she never used her war credentials for personal benefit.

It is infuriating to learn that the air force even took Winnie’s car upon her retirement. This was not protocol but clearly an act of malice. They continued to antagonize her even after independence, writing a letter of insult that felt like a betrayal of her sacrifices.

Winnie, the Air Vice Marshal, would hike home because some senior air force officers refused to give her the car she was entitled to. She did not seek personal benefits or recognition for her actions, instead focusing on the positive impact they could have on others.

Winnie said, “If they refuse to give me a car, I will use the car God gave me.” She called it “Foot Rover.” Indeed, she walked.

Winnie was a humanitarian. She worked to improve the lives of others, often in challenging or dangerous circumstances. She showed kindness, empathy, and generosity in her daily life, making a positive impact on those around her.

Until her death, Winnie inspired others with her kindness, generosity, and dedication to helping others. Born with a passion for fairness, Winnie dedicated her life to making a difference. Despite facing numerous challenges, she persevered, driven by a sense of purpose and conviction. Her work was often met with resistance, and her efforts were frequently overlooked, only to be recognized by the President.

As the years went by, Winnie Mandeya felt the weight of neglect bearing down on her. The lack of recognition and appreciation took a toll on her mental and emotional well-being, leaving her feeling bitter and disillusioned. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to escape the feeling that her work was not valued.

Even after her burial, Winnie has not received her pension or her terminal benefits. Without her family around, Winnie would have died in poverty.

Today, Winnie’s legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of neglect and a lack of recognition. The bureaucracy that delayed her treatment abroad is another example of this. Her story is a testament to the countless individuals who have dedicated their lives to a cause, only to be forgotten by the very people they sought to help.

It took the courageous efforts of patriots like Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi, Cde Gumbo, Cde Monica Mutsvangwa, Cde General Zabanyana, Cde Dr Obert Mpofu, General Rugeje, and others for the President to learn that his hero had passed away.

Despite not receiving what she had earned, Winnie championed the cause of women by advocating for their rights, empowerment, and equality. Forgetting her own situation, Winnie stood for all despite her own lack.

In the air force, Winnie raised awareness, educating people about the challenges and injustices faced by women, and promoting gender equality.

Winnie supported women’s rights, advocating for policies and laws that protect them, such as equal pay, reproductive rights, and protection from violence within the air force.

In the air force, Winnie provided opportunities and resources to help women develop their skills, confidence, and independence.

Winnie promoted representation, encouraging women’s participation in leadership positions, politics, and other areas where they were underrepresented. Despite all this, Winnie did not receive the same support when she needed it most.

As we reflect on AVM Winnie Mandeya’s life, we are reminded of the importance of recognition and appreciation. We are also reminded of the devastating consequences of neglect and the impact it can have on an individual’s life.

While Winnie’s contributions may have gone unrecognized by the force during her lifetime, it is not too late to honor her memory and the memories of other heroes and heroines like Winnie. By sharing her story, we can shed light on the often-overlooked lives of unsung heroes and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

No one should die before receiving their pension. No one should live like a beggar despite holding a high rank.

A life of bitterness is a tragic reminder of the human cost of neglect. AVM Winnie Mandeya’s story serves as a powerful tribute to the countless individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a difference, often without recognition or reward. May their legacy inspire us to appreciate and recognize the contributions of all those who work tirelessly to make a positive impact.

Whoever kept AVM Winnie’s car, may her fighting spirit confront them.

We wipe away our tears, but our hearts bleed with disappointment at the treatment given to Winnie.
We do not forget the honor bestowed upon her; we will never take it for granted. We thank the President and his team for according Winnie the highest honor ever given to a hero in death.

Long live Winnie’s spirit until we meet again.