Story by Peter Chivhima
A funeral parade was held for Air Commodore (Retired) Simon Brian Bere, with the decorated officer remembered as a gallant liberation war cadre who served Zimbabwe with distinction and unwavering loyalty.
Colleagues, family members and senior officers gathered at Manyame Air Force Base Parade Square this Tuesday to pay their last respects to Air Commodore (Retired) Bere, who died on April 24.
Chief mourner and Commander Air Force of Zimbabwe, Air Marshal Jacob John Nzvede, noted the nation has lost a brave soldier who served the nation with loyalty.
“The Late Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere was among the brave young cadres who made the great sacrifice to join the struggle. At the age of 19, he had completed his secondary education at Ascot Secondary School, but in 1978, he made the decision to abandon everything and cross the border into Mozambique to join the liberation struggle as a ZANLA combatant. The liberation struggle was in need of young cadres to maintain the momentum and defeat the colonial forces. The late Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere was, therefore, immediately selected to undergo training at Samacuesa Base in Mozambique before receiving further training as a Military Instructor.”
Colleagues said the late officer was dedicated and dependable.
“To me, he was a personal friend, and I have known him since 1989 and have worked well with him. He was a jovial and determined man. Whatever he had planned, he would do it. Also, he was eager to share information,” a colleague, Air Commodore Morris Mujikwa said.
“We have lost a good man. I trained with him soon after the war. After training, we also worked together, but what I can say is we have lost a good man,” another colleague, Air Commodore (Rtd) Pilate Nleya noted.
“We have lost a family unifier because my brother was a straightforward man, and I think he adopted this philosophy from the military,” family representative, Mr Jetro Bere said.
Born in Hurungwe, Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere joined the liberation struggle in Mozambique in 1978, where he received military training.
After independence, he was attested into the Air Force of Zimbabwe as an Aircraftman in 1981.
Through hard work, the distinguished Air Officer rose through the ranks to become Group Captain.
He retired from active service in 2024 and was elevated to the rank of Air Commodore.
Air Commodore Retired Bere is survived by his wife, Reginah and three children.
