Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure and Wallace Ruzvidzo
THEY came in their thousands — relatives, friends, comrades and ordinary citizens who never knew him personally, but had felt his work in their lives.
The national shrine was packed yesterday as Zimbabwe bade farewell to national hero Air Commodore (Retired) Simon Brian Bere.
To those who knew him best, he was not just a soldier, but a disciplined commander.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi described Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere as a dedicated soldier who worked tirelessly towards the development of the nation.
“The national hero was always available in Mashonaland West Province in times of need. He was a humble soldier who mingled with the general public most of the time,” said Minister Ziyambi, who is also the ZANU PF secretary for Legal Affairs and hails from Mashonaland West.
Minister Ziyambi challenged the youth to live an exemplary life like the national hero.
“I am calling upon our youth to be disciplined as they carry out their daily duties. We expect them to shun drug and substance abuse. They should pursue their careers diligently to achieve their goals in life. There are no shortcuts in life”.
He commended President Mnangagwa for awarding Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere national hero status.
“As Mashonaland West, we feel greatly honoured to see one of our own being accorded such a high honour,” said Minister Ziyambi.
Family representative Ms Chengetai, daughter of the national hero, also thanked the President for the conferment of hero status on her father.
She described him as a patriotic soldier who loved his country.
Magunje legislature Cde Super Monger Madiro said the national hero was a successful farmer who was focused on feeding the nation.
“We have greatly lost a champion farmer who led by example,” said Cde Madiro.
Hurungwe West legislator Cde Chinjai Kambuzuma, said he was a father figure who cared about the surrounding communities
“During our election campaigns, he taught us to seek guidance from chiefs in the surrounding area to win the hearts of the people. With his support, we won resoundingly in the 2023 elections,” she said.
His colleague in the Air Force of Zimbabwe, Group Captain Peter Dondo, hailed him for his dedication to duty.
“He taught us to be patriotic, even when the going gets tough; he encouraged us to push extra hard to get the maximum results for the benefit of our nation,” he said.
War veteran, Cde Elizabeth Nzombe, described the national hero as a humble man.
“He was humble. Most people never knew he was a senior person in the military because of the way he carried himself,” she said.
Born on September 19, 1959, in Hurungwe, Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere pursued his early education at Chiroti and Matau primary schools before attending Ascot for his secondary education.
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.
After completing training, he served in the Education Department at the rear, holding the position of detachment political commissar.
He joined the Air Force of Zimbabwe in 1981 as an aircraftman and completed basic military training at Field Air Force Base, now Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Force Base.
Thereafter, he acquired specialist skills in munitions and explosives after completing an Explosive Ordnance Disposal course.
Armed with these skills, the AFZ deployed his expertise in operations in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Air Commodore (Rtd) 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 being elevated to director in 2020.
In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded five medals.
Throughout his military career, Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere played a pivotal role in shaping the professionalism and operational strength of the AFZ.
He became known for his discipline, patriotism and unwavering loyalty to the nation, qualities that earned him respect within the military and beyond.
He is survived by his wife, Regina Bere and three children.
