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The party left with Simba

loving: The late Simba Mhere is remembered for his friendly nature photo: KEVIN SUTHERLAND
loving: The late Simba Mhere is remembered for his friendly nature photo: KEVIN SUTHERLAND

HE WAS the true epitome of a gentle giant.

Big in stature but loving, was Simba Mhere. People who have worked closely with him said his broad, infectious smile and warm teddy bear hugs were some of his trademarks.

Mhere was born on October 29 1988 in Zimbabwe at the Harare General Hospital to missionary parents Joseph and Angela Mhere from Tafara Township.

When he was a year-and-a-month old, his parents moved to Johanneburg where they served at Jesus Alive Ministries.

Mhere went to Rhema Christan Primary and completed his high school in 2006 at Rand Park High School. There he displayed his leadership, being appointed a prefect. He was also part of the school's cricket, rugby and athletics teams.

Mhere then went on to study towards a BCom accounting degree at the University of Johannesburg. But three years into his course in 2010, he was selected among thousands of hopefuls to be a Top Billing presenter.

He travelled and explored the globe through his job - from his first trip on an airplane for the finals of the Top Billing Presenter Search in Mauritius to jetting off to Rio, Norway, Japan and many exciting destinations.

He was fun-loving and adventurous, going skydiving, white river rafting and fishing on Lake Malawi.

Simba became an integral part of the Top Billing team and developed into a public persona loved by many South Africans. He also grew into a motivational speaker, radio presenter on Cliff Central and an event a MC.

A car accident sadly ended his life as he was headed to the airport to attend the J&B Met last weekend. Mhere is survived by his parents Joseph and Angela, and his sister Valerie.

The last word belongs to Simba's friend, comedian Siv Ngesi, who was one of the fashion judges at the Met: "Only one man could outshine the Met and that's Simba. It felt like even the horses ran slower and the ladies weren't as hot. Simba left the building and the party left with him."

Mhere will be buried at Westpark Cemetery tomorrow.

tiwaneb@timesmedia.co.za

 

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