Acting President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Honourable General (Retired) Dr. Constantino Guvheya Dominic Nyikadzino Chiwenga, has expressed deep sorrow following the passing of Mrs. Sikhubekiso Mangena, the widow of the late National Hero and former ZIPRA Commander, Cde Rodgers Alfred Nikita Mangena. Mrs. Mangena died on the 11th of May 2025 in Manningdale, Bulawayo, after succumbing to an asthma-related illness. She was 69.
In a condolence message issued on Monday, Vice President Chiwenga described Mrs. Mangena as a strong and courageous woman who symbolised the quiet heroism of many women who supported Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle from the background. Born on 15 March 1956, she was part of a rare generation of women who, while not on the frontline of the armed conflict, made pivotal contributions through mobilisation, logistical support, and care for the wounded freedom fighters.
Married to a man whose destiny was intricately tied to the liberation of Zimbabwe, Mrs. Mangena endured personal sacrifice, including widowhood at a young age, after her husband was killed by a landmine in Zambia in 1978. Left to raise two toddlers in exile, she stood firm and dignified, interacting and living alongside fellow liberation figures such as the late Vice President Dr. Joshua Nkomo and Cde Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo.
“She knew and accepted the painful fact that her husband did not only belong to her and their children, but also to Zimbabwe,” said Vice President Chiwenga. “While she did not take up arms, her role in keeping the war front supplied and supporting injured fighters was indispensable.”
The Acting President lauded her enduring loyalty to Zimbabwe and the values her late husband stood for, and extended condolences to the Mangena family, assuring them that the entire nation joins them in mourning this remarkable woman.
“May the Mangena family take comfort in the knowledge that the entire nation of Zimbabwe joins them in mourning the late Mrs. Mangena. May her dear soul rest in eternal peace,” said Vice President Chiwenga.
