Story by Peter Chivhima
COLLEAGUES, family and national leaders have paid tribute to National Hero Air Commodore (Rtd) Simon Brian Bere, describing him as a humble, professional and dedicated military officer who served Zimbabwe with distinction.
Hundreds gathered at National Heroes Acre on Monday to bid farewell to the decorated airman, whose legacy in both military service and community life drew widespread admiration.
Colleagues recalled a dependable leader and mentor who inspired those around him.
“We have lost a reliable man… He used to encourage us to soldier on when the going seemed tough,” Group Captain Peter Dondo said.
Flight Lieutenant Elias Mhiripiri described him as a guiding figure: “He was more than our mentor… He also encouraged us to take care of our families.”
Warrant Officer Class One Nickson Museka, who trained with him in 1981, said Bere remained grounded despite the rigours of military life. “He was a down-to-earth character whose passion was to assist everyone.”
Beyond the uniform, Air Commodore Bere was an active farmer in Mashonaland West, earning recognition as a community pillar.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, said: “Despite being a distinguished military officer, he remained exceptionally humble… reflecting his deep commitment to service both on and off duty.”
Ziyambi Ziyambi, a ZANU PF Politburo member, said the conferment of National Hero status by Emmerson Mnangagwa was a fitting tribute to Bere’s “distinguished service, unwavering dedication, and immense contribution to the nation.”
Family members described him as a unifying figure and moral anchor.
“To us, he was our foundation, our teacher, and our guide… We have lost a pillar, but his legacy will endure,” Ms Bere said.
Born in 1959 in Mashonaland West, Air Commodore Bere, whose Chimurenga name was Cde Garanewako Chimurenga, joined the liberation struggle in 1978 and trained in Mozambique. He returned home in 1981 and was attested into the Air Force of Zimbabwe as a non-commissioned officer.
He rose through the ranks to Group Captain before retiring in 2024, later being elevated to Air Commodore.
Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere died at the age of 67 and is survived by his wife, Regina and three children.
