The late ‘Cde Cabby Rujeko-rwehondo’ as she was known during the struggle, was born in July 1960 in Rusape. She undertook her primary education within Makoni District before proceeding to Mutambara High School in 1975.

Later that same year, the late retired Air Vice Marshal Winnie Cabby Mandeya joined the liberation struggle,starting off at Junda and Nyadzonya Camps in Mozambique. 

This brave decision defied the odds of those times. Like many other fearless young girls at that time, our late National Heroine saw the cause to fight to liberate Zimbabwe as being greater than any limitation, her gender could ever impose. She was part of the trailblazers and cohort of female cadres who shattered the glass ceiling. 

Many became leaders and commanders during the perilous times that characterised the protracted liberation struggle for our country’s independence. These traits were enduring and evident throughout the military career of ‘Cde Cabby Rujeko-rwehondo’.

Our late National Heroine, did her military training in Nachingweya, Tanzania and thereafter deployed in Gaza Province, at Xai Xai Base, where she operated until 1978, before her selection to commence a course in the medical corps. There, she worked under the tutelage of Cde Sydney Sekeramayi, as well as the late national heroes,Cde Herbert Ushewokunze and Brigadier General Felix Muchemwa.

In the various roles assigned to her, she demonstrated unquestionable zeal and was entrusted to undertake nursing duties in operational zones, including during and after the heinous and evil Chimoio attack.

At ceasefire in 1979, the late Comrade Mandeya remained in Mozambique. She returned home in August 1980, along with the last group of wartime patients. Following which, she joined the President’s Department. 

As the then Minister of State Security, in 1981, His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa recommended her for appointment to serve in the Commission of Inquiry, investigating missing persons.

The late Air Vice Marshall (Rtd) Winnie Cabby Mandeya was strategically transferred to the Air Force of Zimbabwe in July 1984, as a non-commissioned member.

Her reliability, acquired aptitude, professionalism and dedication to duty saw her rise through the ranks from Flight Lieutenant, to Air Commodore. 

In recognition to her loyalty, patriotism, discipline and wholeheartedly service to our country, I promoted her to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, upon her retirement, in August 2022.