KEY POINTS
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Zimbabwe held a state funeral for Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Winnie Mandeya, a liberation war icon and trailblazer for women in the military, attended by President Mnangagwa, government officials, and thousands of citizens.
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Mandeya was celebrated for her wartime logistics coordination, post-independence military service, and advocacy for social justice, becoming the 17th heroine interred at the National Heroes Acre.
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President Mnangagwa called on Zimbabweans to honor her legacy through unwavering patriotism and urged women in security sectors to uphold her pioneering spirit in defending national sovereignty.
Thousands of Zimbabweans gathered at the National Heroes Acre in Harare today to bid farewell to Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Winnie Mandeya, a revered national heroine celebrated for her pivotal role in the liberation struggle and post-independence nation-building.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa presided over the solemn yet celebratory ceremony, which drew cabinet ministers, military leaders, and citizens from across the country.
Mandeya, who passed away at 64 on Monday, was laid to rest alongside 16 other heroines at the iconic shrine, a site reserved for Zimbabwe’s most distinguished figures.
Her burial followed days of nationwide mourning, including vigils in Goromonzi District and her birthplace, Chiendambuya, Manicaland. “She carried the torch of justice, placing the people’s needs above all,” said her nephew, Tapiwa Mandeya, during a heartfelt eulogy. “Her life proved that women can lead at the highest levels.”
President Mnangagwa Hails Mandeya as Beacon of Patriotism and Gender Progress
In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa lauded Mandeya’s lifelong dedication to Zimbabwe’s sovereignty. “Cde Mandeya was a barrier-breaker, part of a generation of women who reshaped our history,” he declared, recounting her efforts during the 1970s liberation war.
After the ceasefire, Mandeya remained in Mozambique, coordinating logistics for ex-combatants before joining the Air Force of Zimbabwe, where she rose to become one of the nation’s first female air vice marshals.
The President underscored her post-military contributions, including advocacy for veterans’ rights and youth mentorship. “Her humility and hard work remind us that patriotism is not rhetoric but action,” he said, urging citizens—especially women in security sectors—to emulate her legacy.
Herald reports that the ceremony featured military honors, cultural performances, and hymns by interfaith choirs, reflecting Zimbabwe’s diverse heritage.
As her casket, draped in the national flag, was lowered, a 21-gun salute echoed across the hillside.
