Online Reporter
Hello Zimbabwe.
Today, we are coming to you live from the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare where national hero, Air Commodore (Rtd) Simon Brian Bere is being buried.
Thousands have gathered for the burial of the national hero, with His Excellency, President Emmerson
Mnangagwa, set to preside over the interment.
Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere passed away on 24 April at the age of 67.
His service, sacrifice, and legacy will be honoured as we pay our final respects at the National Heroes’ Acre.
We invite you to stay with us as we follow this moment of remembrance from start to finish.
Hurungwe bids one of its own farewell
Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere’s body was airlifted from his Ansdale Farm in Hurungwe to Charles Gumbo
Barracks in Harare yesterday.
The body lay in state at the Barracks overnight.
This was after the Hurungwe community had gathered in Gudhure Village near Zvimonja Primary School to bid the national hero goodbye.
Cries of “Vaenda Mhazi” could be heard as the helicopter took off.
Mashonaland West Provincial Secretary Mr Josphat Jaji said the family and Hurungwe community had been given a chance to mourn and give a befitting send-off to the late war veteran and air service man.
War veteran Cde Elizabeth Nzombe described the late national hero as a humble man.
“He humbly carried himself. Most people never knew he was a senior person because of the way he carried himself,” she said.
The life and service of national hero Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere
Born on September 19, 1959, in Hurungwe, Air Commodore (Rtd) pursued his early education at
Chiroti and Matau Primary Schools before attending Ascot for his secondary education.
Driven by the call to liberate his country, Air Commodore Bere was among the brave young cadres who made the great sacrifice to join the liberation 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, Air Commodore Bere 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.
Throughout his military career, Air Commodore Bere played a pivotal role in shaping the professionalism and operational strength of the AFZ.
Air Commodore Bere is among some of the founding members of the AFZ at independence.
He became known for his discipline, patriotism and unwavering loyalty to the nation, qualities that earned him respect within the military and beyond.
Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede described Air Commodore (Rtd)
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.”
The national hero leaves behind his wife Ms Regina Bere and three children.
Service Chiefs arrive for burial
VP Mohadi arrives at Heroes’ Acre
Tributes, Uniformed Presence, and a Nation in Remembrance
Thousands have gathered at the National Heroes’ Acre, filling the grounds with a quiet sense of reverence, while the atmosphere remains solemn and respectful.
As preparations continue, the ceremony grounds reflect the day’s significance. Flag-draped arrangements and official markings guide the flow of attendees, and uniformed personnel move with precision as they take their positions.
The presence of senior Government officials and Service Chiefs underscores the national importance of honouring a long-serving national hero.
The mood is both reflective and uplifting, with attendees carrying the belief that the values of discipline, sacrifice, and patriotism demonstrated by Air Commodore (Rtd) Simon Brian Bere will endure.
National hero’s final journey
The national hero’s body has arrived at the National Heroes’ Acre, escorted with deep respect and ceremony.
As the procession moves into the designated area, officials and uniformed personnel fall into position,
their movements measured and deliberate, reflecting the significance of the moment.
Mourners watch in silence, some standing with hands clasped, others wiping away tears.
The arrival of the body has further intensified the solemn atmosphere, with families and friends gathering closer to pay their last respects to Air Commodore (Rtd) Simon Brian Bere.
President, First Lady arrive for burial
President Mnangagwa and the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa have arrived at the National Heroes’ Acre for the burial.
The presence of the Head of State and First Lady further underscores the national significance of the burial, with each gaze fixed on the ceremonial space ahead, as the programme prepares to move into the next phase of tribute for Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere.
“We have lost a pillar, a hero”
Ms Chengetai Bere, daughter of the late national hero, Air Commodore (Rtd) Simon Brian Bere, thanked the President for the conferment of hero status on her father.
She said her father loved Zimbabwe.
“I want to thank the President for conferring national hero status on our father. The sacrifice he gave to our country was not put to waste,” she said.
“We have lost a pillar, a hero”.
“This honour has put dignity to our loss. For all who supported us, we are deeply grateful.”
President Mnangagwa urges youth to defend Zimbabwe’s gains
President Mnangagwa is now on the podium.
He described the late national hero as a dedicated cadre.
The President narrated how Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere dedicated his life to serving Zimbabwe with unflinching loyalty.
“We lay our departed national hero here at the National Heroes Acre alongside illustrious sons and daughters of our beloved motherland,” said the President.
He rallied the general citizenry to never take the country’s freedom for granted, as it came at a huge cost.
“To the young people, let us always recognise that our freedom did not come on a silver platter, it was
fought for by your grandfathers, grandmothers, uncles and aunts,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said every Zimbabwean must ask themselves what they can contribute towards the country’s development.
“Zvibvunzei kuti tingaitei kuti nyika yedu ibudirire iende mberi.
“Iwe neni tine basa. Ndangariro dzedu ngadzive dzekuvaka nyika yedu, kwete kuputsa,” said President Mnangagwa.
President hands over national flag to Air Commodore Bere’s widow
President Mnangagwa has handed over the national flag to Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere’s wife, Mrs Regina Bere.
The hand-over, a solemn tradition reserved for national heroes, took place as family members, senior
Government officials, Service Chiefs and the rest of the mourners looked on.
This was in recognition of the late Air Commodore’s distinguished service to the nation.
