Zimbabwe buries war hero Winnie Mandeya at Heroes Acre today. President Mnangagwa leads the service for the Air Force leader who died Monday at 64. Mourners must arrive early, before 7 am. Her body was brought to her village home yesterday before returning to Harare.
Mandeya becomes just the 18th woman laid to rest at the national shrine. She joined the fight for freedom in 1975, training in Tanzania before fighting in Gaza Province. After freedom came in 1980, she worked first for the president, then moved to the Air Force in 1984. She survived the famous attack at Chimoio camp during the war.
The president made her an Air Vice Marshal in 2022, equal to a Major General rank. She was the first woman to reach such a high rank in the defense forces. People from her home area remember her as humble despite her success. She helped start building a clinic last year for villagers who travel 20 kilometers for medical care. Mandeya leaves behind one son, Valentine.
Mandeya becomes just the 18th woman laid to rest at the national shrine. She joined the fight for freedom in 1975, training in Tanzania before fighting in Gaza Province. After freedom came in 1980, she worked first for the president, then moved to the Air Force in 1984. She survived the famous attack at Chimoio camp during the war.
The president made her an Air Vice Marshal in 2022, equal to a Major General rank. She was the first woman to reach such a high rank in the defense forces. People from her home area remember her as humble despite her success. She helped start building a clinic last year for villagers who travel 20 kilometers for medical care. Mandeya leaves behind one son, Valentine.
