Zimbabwe's First Female Recipient of the Sword of Honor Award Recognized: Gamuchirai Maria Mbigi
In a remarkable achievement, Gamuchirai Maria Mbigi, born in 1996 in Gweru, the third largest city of Zimbabwe, has become the first woman to receive the Sword of Honor Award in the history of the Air Force of Zimbabwe. This prestigious award is given to officers for exceptional performance during pilot training.
Mbigi, currently serving in the Air Force, was the first female student to receive the Sword of Honour Award. Her journey began when she applied to join the Air Force and was the top of her class, which had only 4 other female students in a class of 20.
The award was presented to Mbigi by the first lady of Zimbabwe, Auxillia Mnangagwa, at a dinner in her honour. Mbigi's passion for aviation was evident from a young age, and she pursued her dream of becoming a pilot.
Mbigi hails from Shurugwi, a town with several good high schools, and attended Tangogara High School, a school renowned for producing successful graduates. At just 26 years old, Mbigi has many years ahead of her in her career, and her successful training suggests she may have a bright future in aviation.
In addition to the honour of receiving the Sword of Honor Award, Mbigi was also awarded a $5000 prize for this achievement. The article detailing her accomplishment was written by a staff reporter on September 11, 2021, and published by Bulawayo 24 News. The article was retrieved on April 10, 2022.
Mbigi's achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring female officers in Zimbabwe and beyond, symbolizing dedication, excellence, and breaking gender barriers within the armed forces. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the heights one can reach when pursuing their dreams.
Aviation pioneer Gamuchirai Maria Mbigi's victory in receiving the Sword of Honor Award marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry, where she now serves. Her recent achievement in finance, securing a $5000 prize for her accomplishment, further highlights her potential impact on the transportation sector, particularly in aviation.
