Air Commodore Bere declared national hero

AIR Commodore (Retired) Simon Brian Bere, who died on April 24, has been declared a national hero, with burial set for Monday at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.

The conferment of national hero status was announced to the family on Thursday evening by Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, accompanied by Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander Emmanuel Matatu and senior officers from both the army and the Air Force.

Speaking during the announcement, Ziyambi described Air Commodore Bere as a distinguished military officer who served Zimbabwe with exceptional patriotism and dedication.

The Bere family expressed gratitude and pride at the honour bestowed on their relative.

Born in 1959 in Hurungwe, Mashonaland West Province, Bere attended Chiroti and Matau primary schools before proceeding to Ascot Secondary School in Gweru for his secondary education.

He joined the liberation struggle in 1978, undergoing military training in Mozambique. During the war, he was deployed in the Education Department, contributing to the ideological and academic development of fellow cadres.

Following Zimbabwe's independence, Bere returned home in 1981 and was attested into the Air Force of Zimbabwe as an Aircraftsman. Through years of service and discipline, he steadily rose through the ranks to become a Group Captain.

He retired from active service in 2024 and was subsequently elevated to the rank of Air Commodore in recognition of his contribution to the country's defence forces.

Air Commodore Bere is survived by his wife, Reginah, and three children.

Mourners are gathered at his Bluffhill residence in Harare, ahead of his burial at the National Heroes Acre, the country's shrine reserved for those deemed to have made outstanding contributions to Zimbabwe's liberation and national development.