Air Vice Marshal Winnie Mandeya Biography | Background, Age, Children, Education, Career, Contribution to the Second Chimurenga
This is the biography of Winnie Mandeya, who became the first female Air Vice Marshal in Zimbabwe in November 2022, following promotion by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Background
She was born in Rusape as the second of six children to Erica (née Manuwa) and Eric Mandeya.
Age
Winnie Mandeya was born on July 14, 1960.
Children
Mandeya has one son named Munyaradzi.
Education
Mandeya attended Arnoldine Mission in Headlands for her primary education and Mutambara Mission for secondary education. After the war of liberation, she enrolled in distance learning with Rapid Results College. She has obtained several diplomas, including in Library and Information Science, Personnel Management, Human Resources Management, Project Management, and Occupational Safety Health and Environmental Management.
Career
Winnie Mandeya earned her Junior Certificate and completed her Ordinary Level certificate in two sittings. Though she began her Advanced Level studies, she shifted her focus to military service before she could sit for her exams. Mandeya joined the Air Force of Zimbabwe as a corporal and trained at Field Air Base in Chegutu, where she finished as the second-best recruit.
In 1994, Mandeya was among 63 female candidates for the officers’ selection board, with only three, including Mandeya, Penelope Chitiyo, and Tambudzai Gunguwo, being selected. She became the first female principal administrator at Manyame Air Base, setting a precedent in male-dominated roles.
As a Wing Commander, Mandeya was the first female officer seconded to a Command Staff Course in Zambia. She also became the first female Directing Staff at the Zimbabwe Staff College and the first female Director of Civil Military Relations. Mandeya continued to break barriers as the first female Deputy Commandant at the Zimbabwe Staff College and the first female Air Commodore-Director General Service Personnel.
In 2019, she was promoted from Group Captain to Air Commodore. In 2022, she advanced to Air Vice Marshal, a rank equivalent to Major General in land forces. On December 5, 2019, four years after Air Commodore Ellen Chiweshe’s promotion, Mandeya was appointed Director General Service Personnel at the Zimbabwe Defence Forces Headquarters, becoming the first female officer to hold this position.
Contribution to the Second Chimurenga
On May 29, 1975, young Winnie Mandeya joined the liberation struggle, crossing the border with her friend Monica Masaiti. Mandeya adopted the nom-de-guerre Cde Cabby Rujekorwehondo and was present at Nyadzonia Camp during a Rhodesian forces attack.
In 1976/77, she received military training at Nachingweya in Tanzania and was later deployed to Gaza Province, including areas like Masvingo Province, Chiredzi, Chikombedzi, and Rutenga. At Xai Xai Base, she joined the medical corps and received training in basic medical care and nursing from Dr. Sydney Sekeramayi, Brigadier Felix Muchemwa, and Dr. Herbert Ushewokunze.
Also read: Air Commodore Ellen Chiweshe Biography | Education, Career in the Air Force of Zimbabwe
