President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to the late Retired Air Commodore Simon Brian Bere, describing him as a “gallant son of the soil” whose life embodied patriotism, discipline and unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe.
Delivering the eulogy at National Heroes Acre today, the President conveyed condolences to the Bere family on behalf of the nation, Government and the ruling ZANU PF, saying the loss was shared by Zimbabwe as a whole.
Air Commodore (Rtd) Bere died on 24 April 2026 after decades of service as a liberation fighter, professional air officer and senior civil servant. His wartime name was Brian Garanewako Chimurenga, a legacy the President said rightly earned him national hero status.
“He never sought personal glory. He served with loyalty, courage and a steadfast commitment to his country,” the President said.
Born in 1959, Bere joined the liberation struggle in 1978, crossing into Mozambique and training at Samacuesa Base under the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army. He later became a Detachment Political Commissar, educating and mobilising fighters at the height of the war.
Following the ceasefire in 1979, he reported to Tongogara Assembly Point ahead of Independence. The President urged the nation, especially young people, to appreciate the sacrifices of fighters like Bere, saying freedom was “never donated” but won through blood, bravery and conviction.
After Independence, Bere joined the Air Force of Zimbabwe in 1981, rising through the ranks to Air Commodore before retiring in 2024. He specialised in Explosive Ordnance Disposal and served in regional operations in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He also pursued higher education in political science, security studies and national defence, later joining the Ministry of War Veterans. In 2020 he became Director of War Veterans Affairs, contributing to programmes aimed at improving the welfare of liberation fighters.
President Mnangagwa said Bere’s life mirrored the different phases of Zimbabwe’s national struggle—from the armed liberation war to post-independence institution-building and today’s economic transformation efforts.
He reminded citizens that Zimbabwe is now in the “Fourth Chimurenga”, focusing on full control of national resources and the pursuit of Vision 2030.
“Unity, peace and development must remain our guiding principles. Each of us has a role to play in building our nation,” he said, urging farmers, youths, women, veterans and civil servants to carry forward the spirit of national service.
The President concluded by declaring that Bere’s mission had been accomplished.
The late Air Commodore Simon Brian Bere’s unwavering patriotism and dedication to our nation will never be forgotten.