Online Reporter
Columbus Mabika
Herald Reporter
THE Air Force of Zimbabwe yesterday held a full military funeral parade in honour of Retired Air Commodore Simon Bere, whose Chimurenga name was “Brian Garanewako Chimurenga”.
A funeral parade is the highest honour that is accorded to a deceased military personnel.
Air Commodore Bere passed away on Saturday in Zambia.
Commander AFZ, Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede, who was the chief mourner, described Air Commodore Bere as a loyal cadre who stood for the development of the nation.
“The Zimbabwe Defence Forces and indeed the nation have lost a loyal and patriotic Air Officer who dedicated his life to serving Zimbabwe,” he said.
“He has run his race well and has now passed the baton to those surviving to finish the race. It is therefore incumbent on us to ensure that his good deeds and hard work were not all in vain.”
Air Commodore Bere is among some of the founding members of the AFZ at independence.
At the height of the colonial regime, there was widespread disgruntlement among the majority of indigenous people who were at the receiving end of repressive policies. Indigenous people answered the call to take up arms to fight in the liberation struggle.
Air Commodore Bere was among the brave young cadres who made the great sacrifice to join the struggle.
At the age of 19 in 1978, he crossed the border into Mozambique to join the liberation struggle as a ZANLA combatant.
He was immediately selected to undergo training at Samacuesa Base.
On completion of training, he served in the Education Department at the rear, holding the position of detachment Political Commissar.
He joined the AFZ in 1981 as an Air craftsman and completed the Basic Military training at Field Air Force Base, now Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo.
He was commissioned as an officer in 1993.
Thereafter, he proceeded to attain special skills in munitions and explosives after completing an Explosive Ordinance Disposal course.
Armed with these skills, the AFZ was able to tap into his expertise to successfully conduct military operations in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Air Commodore Bere completed all staff and command courses commensurate with his rank and held various command and staff appointments throughout his career in the AFZ.
In 2016, he was seconded to the Ministry of War Veterans as deputy director of War Veterans Affairs, before he was elevated to director in 2020.
In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded five medals.
Further funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
