Simba: half man, half amazing

Mhere’s childhood friends described him as a competitive person who liked to take part in every sport – and win. This was echoed by the Top Billing team who praised his work ethic. “Simba was a well-oiled machine,” said television personality, Ursula Chikane.

“He treated every single assignment as if it was his last and always had the biggest smile on his face.”

When meeting new people – even the Top Billing presenter search judges he would always cheekily say: “I’m Simba Mhere – Half man, half amazing,” his friends recalled.

 Jonathan Boynton Lee cried as he spoke of the last time he saw Mhere.

“The weekend before he died we had gone away together to Hartebees poort dam where we spoke about our plans for the year. There wasn’t a single plan I had for my life that didn’t involve Simba.”

Boynton Lee shared a video he had made with Mhere that weekend which they had titled:

The Incredible Bromance

Simba’s father, Joseph Mhere didn’t say much about accident which claimed his son’s life. Joseph was travelling with Mhere and his friend Kady Shay to the O.R Tambo airport on that day and was the only one who survived.

“Simba’s job meant that I was on airport duty a lot of the time,” he said, speaking of the numerous times he had accompanied his son to the airport.

“He would always say ‘see you tomorrow dad’ or ‘see you next month’, but this time my son didn’t say goodbye. I pray that God gives my family and I the grace to accept his decision.”

 Other local celebrities who attended the memorial service at the Rhema Church were television presenters Bonang Matheba, Lorna Maseko, Maps Maponyana, Penny Lebyane and DJ Sbu (Sibusiso Leope).

Mhere’s funeral will be held on Saturday at the Rhema Church in Randburg.