GWERU – Civil servants should follow the late Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Force of Zimbabwe Base
Commander Air Commodore Pio Pasipamire Maketo’s footsteps, whose dedication to duty earned
him provincial hero’s recognition.
Speaking at the burial of Air Commodore Maketo at the Gweru Provincial Heroes Acre, Minister of
State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Larry Mavima said the late soldier was accorded
hero’s status due to his integrity, commitment, honesty, transparency and accountability.
“Air Commodore Maketo was an Air officer who has left an exemplary legacy of flying excellence and
command,” Mavima who was represented by his director Kudakwashe Machako said.
Minister Mavima said the AFZ, his family and the Midlands Province will be poorer without the
patriotic cadre.
“His remarkable conduct and dedication to duty shall always be remembered,” he said.
His dedication to duty and illustrious career earned him the Independence, 10 years’ service,
Mozambique campaign, Democratic Republic of Congo and Long and Exemplary service medals.
He completed a number of military courses during his time.
Some of his appointments include among others Officer commanding Flying Wing and acting Base
Commander Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base. He was also Deputy Base Commander Jason
Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Force Base at one time.
The late Air Commodore was attested into the Zimbabwe National Army on 1 September 1986 and
was transferred to the Air Force of Zimbabwe on 1 May 1988 as an officer cadet at the school of
flying training at then Thornhill Air Force Base.
He was commissioned to the rank of Air Sub Lieutenant in 1989 after successfully completing flying
training course.
Air Commodore Maketo was promoted to the rank of Air Lieutenant in 1990, Flight Lieutenant in
1994, Squadron Leader in 2003, Wing commander in 2007, Group Captain in 2017 and Air
Commodore in 2021, a rank he held until his death. Some of the best pilots and flying instructors
produced by the AFZ are his products.
An avid sportsman, the late top soldier was born on 12 January 1968 in Tsaka Chirumanzu.
He did primary education at Nyamhunga in Gokwe and Batanai in Mabvuku. He enrolled at
Dzivarasekwa High School for his secondary education.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
Air Commodore Maketo died on January 7 in a road accident when his vehicle was involved in a head
on collision 10 km after Chegutu along the Harare-Bulawayo Road.
His older brother Emelio Maketo said Air Commodore Maketo exhibited military traits from an early
age.
He said although Air Commodore Maketo was not a keen reader during his school days, he always
passed his academic studies with flying colours.
He applauded the government for giving his brother such an honour of according him hero status.
Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conveyed condolences to the Maketo family.
In a statement released by his office the President said the demise of Air Commodore Maketo had
robbed the AFZ of an exceptional trainer and dedicated cadre of the Defence Force.
He said the country would forever remember the contributions of the late soldier.
