Trailblazing First Woman Zimbabwe Air Force Air Vice Marshal Passes Away

By Ilyana Sithole

Trailblazing Air Force officer and the first ever woman Air Vice Marshal in the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), Winnie Mandeya (64), passed on early today morning at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare.

Although the cause of death has not been declared, the nation is in mourning for a heroine whose shining career shattered glass ceilings and opened opportunity doors for women in the armed forces in Zimbabwe.

AVM Mandeya’s experiences in the Air Force of Zimbabwe were exceptional. Being enlisted as a corporal plunged her, in an instant, into second-best recruitship at Field Air Base, Chegutu. Her eagerness to improve as a human being and as an employee was evidenced by her attempting several diplomas in various disciplines, some of which were Library and Information Science, Personnel Management, Human Resources Management, Project Management, and Occupational Safety Health Environmental Management.

Her own military service was characterized by unceasing firsts by a woman. AVM Mandeya had a series of noteworthy “firsts” that bear witness to her excellent performance and leadership:
* First Female Principal Administrator: Sent to Manyame Air Base, she was the first woman to be posted in this administrative leadership position.
* First Woman to Attend Command Staff Course: She was the first woman officer to attend the prestigious Command Staff Course in Zambia.
* First Female Directing Staff Officer: Her expertise and leadership skills made her the first woman Directing Staff officer at Zimbabwe Staff College.
* First Woman Base Adjutant
* First Woman to be Nominated Director Civil Military Relations
* First Woman Deputy Commandant: She also held the rank of Deputy Commandant at the Zimbabwe Staff College, placing her among the forefront of army training.
* First Female Air Vice Marshal: Her proudest achievement was when she became the first female Air Vice Marshal of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, a testament to her unflinching commitment and exemplary service.

Apart from her success during peacetime, AVM Mandeya’s patriotism was put to the test during the Zimbabwean war of liberation. She was an integral component of the struggle and gave crucial nursing care to wounded freedom fighters. She also survived the ill-fated Nyadzonia camp attack in Mozambique, proving her strength and resilience.

AVM Mandeya realized how great her accomplishments would be for the generations of women to come. Her valedictory address to women was a heartfelt appeal: to place highest priority on improving their educational standards, to adhere to unshakable discipline, to continue being goal-oriented, and to aim for excellence in whatever field they chose to pursue.

On 14th July 1960, in Rusape, AVM Mandeya was born as the second of six children to Erica (nee Manuwa) and Eric Mandeya. Her primary education at Arnoldine Mission, Headlands, served as a stepping stone to a future career of service and leadership. She was also one of the courageous cadres who survived the Chimoio attack during the liberation struggle.

There will be a funeral procession to celebrate Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Mandeya this Tuesday at Manyame Air Force Base. Mourning parties are already gathered at 766 Hogerty Hill in Borrowdale, Harare, to pay their respects to this incredible woman whose legacy will surely inspire generations to come. Her commitment, bravery, and trailblazing have etched an imprint that cannot be erased in the defense of Zimbabwe, paving the way forward for the women who will come after her.