By Staff Writer

ZANU PF First Secretary and President, His Excellency Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has mourned the late National Hero Cde Winnie Mandeya who was interred at the National Shrine today.

President Mnangagwa celebrated the late heroine's bold nature which along with the efforts of many others ushered in a free Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the National Heroes Acre, President Mnangagwa described Cde Mandeya's hard work.

"Her demise, is indeed a grievous loss, not only to her family, the Defence Forces and War Veterans community, but to the nation as a whole. The people and Government of Zimbabwe, our revolutionary Party, ZANU PF, my family and I, express heartfelt condolences to the Mandeya family on her passing, particularly to her son Valentine Munyaradzi. You have all lost a Mother, Sister, Mbuya, Tete, and I am sure she was much more, to many, within her family and community," Cde Mnangagwa said.

"Us in Government, and security sector specifically, were privileged to walk and share with her, the many years of service to our great motherland, Zimbabwe, both before and after independence. The achievements of our dearly departed, Retired Air Vice Marshal Mandeya, as one of the pioneering female Senior Military Officers, will remain imprinted in the history of our nation."

President Mnangagwa said having "worked under my direct and indirect supervision in various capacities over the years, I can testify that she was a bold, fearless, charismatic Patriot, and cadre. Dating back to the days of the liberation struggle, she was unwavering in her commitment and dedication to our country, loyal, trustworthy and a dependable pair of hands. 

"The late Comrade, Retired Air Vice Marshal Mandeya, ran the race set before her, that of serving Zimbabwe, with admirable endurance and sacrifice. She fought the good fight and kept her faith and love for our motherland, Zimbabwe, until the end. 

"It is a befitting tribute that she is accorded this highest honour in our land, that of National Heroine and intermentat this sacred National Shrine, along-side the valiant Founding Fathers of our nation, as well as other heroes and heroines that helped attain our independence, freedom and democracy."