Simba Mhere

Top Billing mourns the tragic loss of presenter Simba Mhere. The news of his untimely passing has been received with immense shock and distress by his friends, fans and colleagues and our hearts go out to his bereaved family.

Simba Mhere was born on the 29th October 1988 in Zimbabwe at Harare General Hospital to missionary parents Joseph and Angela Mhere from Tafara Township. Simba was 23 months old when his parents relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa, where they served as full time missionaries at Jesus Alive Ministries.

His primary school years were spent at Rhema Christian School. He completed his high school career at Randpark High where he excelled in leadership, rugby and athletics. Simba joined UJ and studied B Com Accounting but he had a calling to entertain. In 2010, in his 3rd year at UJ, he auditioned for the Top Billing presenter search. After sleeping in his car the night before to secure a front place in the line, he appeared in front of the panel of Top Billing judges. It was a gruelling process but his talent, hard work and infectious warmth eventually saw him win the coveted TV presenting position.

In his four years on Top Billing, he made friends of local, international celebrities and fans alike. He had a disarming ability to win over stars he interviewed or strangers he had never met, as if they were personal friends.

As the youngest member of the Top Billing team, he enjoyed the opportunity to travel the world – from his first trip on an airplane for the finals of the Presenter Search in Mauritius, to South America, France, Norway, Japan and many more exciting destinations. He grabbed every opportunity to have an adventure from skydiving to white river rafting, taking to the ski slopes in Norway and fishing on Lake Malawi.

Simba was an exceptional person and a hugely, talented presenter. His warm heart, generous spirit, and wonderful sense of humour, has touched the lives of so many. He was an asset to Top Billing, and we feel privileged to have shared in his journey.