Tribute to First Woman Air Force Boss, Cabby Winnie Mandeya

By Dr Masimba Mavaza

“In God We Trust,” heal our hearts as the colors of the folded flag lie in the hands of your family. With honor today, we offer a final salute as your honorable soul lays at rest. Farewell, Cabby Winnie Mandeya, farewell.

Today, as I sit to 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 insignificant even to write my heart out because I have assembled the audacity to write about the real-life heroine and fallen soldier, 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, and yet she marched to protect those she 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 our nation. Today, we sit to honor 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 make history as she took the oath as Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ first woman to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal, a rank equivalent to a Major General in land forces.

As she assumed her new role, she committed herself 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 of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, handed over the new insignia of her new rank, AVM Mandeya.
To sum up her achievements, General Valerio 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 that was expected of her and went further to sit at the top as a shining star.

Winnie’s is indeed a life cut short: Her death is a tragic loss of potential and promise, all blown away in a flash.
Winnie is a bundle of sacrifice that 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 honored.

Winnie is a shining light extinguished: Her death should be seen as a loss of inspiration and guidance, leaving others to carry on her legacy. Air Vice Marshal Winnie Mandeya leaves a lasting impact: Despite her passing, her impact on the world remains, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. She is a woman who lived above everything else and achieved what was never thought to be achievable 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, her generosity, and her 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.

Winnie is a National Heroine, and we have no doubt that she will be accorded the highest status given to our heroes.

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.

Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Winnie Mandeya, who was a senior officer of the Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ), was 64. Our retirement age is now 70 years.

Air Vice Marshal Retired Mandeya died late Sunday evening at St Anne’s Hospital in Harare. The painful news was confirmed by the Commander of the Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede, who said the late Air Vice Marshal Retired Mandeya served the AFZ with dedication and loyalty since 1984. Mandeya was born on the 14th of July in 1960, in Rusape. Air Vice Marshal Retired Mandeya’s journey was marked by groundbreaking achievements.
She was among the cadres who survived the Chimoio attack. She dressed herself in courage, and the fruits were seen in her achievements while serving her country and her force.

“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,” he said. As a very young girl of 15, the late AVM Winnie Cabby Mandeya (Retired) joined the liberation struggle and successfully completed basic military training at Nachingweya, Tanzania. She 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.

In 2022, President Emmerson Mnangagwa promoted her to Air Vice Marshal, a rank equivalent to Major General in the Zimbabwe National Army, recognizing her dedication and trailblazing service.

Today, we are saluting the heroine who protected our freedom with unmatched valor. Zimbabwe today gives a big salute to our brave soldiers who stand tall to defend our nation and continued to do the same after the war.
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. Winnie was the guardian of our land, standing side by side with other heroes. Winnie shone so bright that today, in the dark moments of her death, our path is bright as her light illuminated the sky, and her face will be printed in our hearts.

With a heart of steel and spirits so bright, Winnie protected our freedom, day and night. We are Zimbabweans because of Winnie.

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 and raised her eyebrows, very ready for the drop of the nation’s call into action.
Her strength lies in the unified force, the inseverable bonds, and her stride stamped every step with her irrefutable determination. Be it the toughest terrain or the might of the weather, Winnie marched ahead by the guidance of that light. Her sacrifices are countless, her bravery profound; in every heartbeat, patriotism is found. For family and nation, Winnie gave her all, standing firm, she never let us fall.

We found happiness in her smile; we find honor in the duty she guarded with her life. Hence, her spirit rises with every success, for she is the dearest heroine of the world.

The honor we owe to Winnie Mandeya would be no less than the deepest. To judge her legacy is lit by a beacon that never dies out. Due to this incredible memory and noble service, we, too, stand and say, “Thank you to Winnie for leading the way.”

Today is not merely a mourning day but a tribute to the noble soul who dedicated herself to the service of the citizens in the country. Let us pay tribute to our Mother, our Heroine.

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 endeavor to sustain the growth of women’s 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,” she said.
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. Her siblings are:
Viola Jaricha (elder sister)
Eunice Chitate (younger sister)
Tapiwa Mandeya (brother)
Eric Mandeya (brother)
Daniel Mandeya (brother) and several nieces.

She has left love and honor. We have no doubt that the President will accord her the greatest honor she deserves.

Fare thee well, AVM Mandeya. We hope to surely meet again when Christ comes in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.