The late decorated general air officer and pilot, Air Commodore Pio Pasipamire Maketo who was buried last Friday, was a man of few words and excellence.
His service to the nation and Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) will forever be etched in the collective national memory.
On Friday, Gweru town was a hive of activity as people from all walks of life converged at Gweru Provincial Heroes Acre for the burial of Air Commodore Maketo.
Mid last week, the late Commander’s comrades in arms had braved distance and weather to bring Chegutu to activity as they somberly converged at Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Force Base parade square, the unit to which the late was the commander, to follow proceedings in honour of one of their own.
Air Commodore Maketo died on January 7 in a road accident along the Harare-Bulawayo highway, 10km from Chegutu town.
He was 55.
The AFZ has said it lost a commander, military strategist, pilot, organiser, loyalist, trainer and patriot, whose life personified military pilot training and changed the face of the organisation and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces at large.
Commander AFZ Air Marshal Elson Moyo, who served ahead of Air Commodore Maketo in appointments and rank at various stages of their military careers, said his exploits were exemplary and he wouldbe difficult to replace.
“We are gathered here on a sad note to pay our last respects to an air officer who has left an exemplary legacy of flying excellence and command,” he said.
“The Air Force of Zimbabwe family will be poorer without the patriotic cadre that he was and whose remarkable conduct and dedication to duty shall always be remembered.
“He produced many qualified pilots and flying instructors. Some of the best pilots and flying instructors produced by the Air Force of Zimbabwe are his products. His duties involved the training of flying cadets to become qualified pilots and those already qualified as pilots to become flying instructors. He was a highly competent instructor at 6 Squadron.”
Manyame Air Base Commander, Air Commodore Elisha Masakadza, who at some time shared trenches, courses and appointments with Air Commodore Maketo during their military careers, said his exploits were second to none and would be difficult to replace.
“With the late, we started working together way back in the late 1980s. We were course mates and we did all mischiefs as cadets. We used to call him the bouncer because of his big frame.
“He was one to make a rational decision, he was approachable like commanders are, a pleasure to work with. He will be missed,” said Air Commodore Masakadza.
Another course mate and best friend, Air Commodore Macerlino Jaya, who is Josiah Tungamirai Air Force Base Commander, said Air Comm Maketo, known to some as “The Bouncer” during his Cadet Training days, was a work horse.
“Indeed, it is a big sad loss to the air force. He was known for hard work; he was just a work horse.
“He was known for flying six hours a day, a feat difficult to achieve. Besides, he was one commander who liked his social life and style. “Character-wise he was a simple humble man, very sociable, approachable by anyone, professional and decisive in making decisions,” said Air Commodore Jaya.
AFZ director general operations, Air Commodore George Ngundu, said Air Commodore Maketo wanted the best for the AFZ and the nation at large.
“We are deeply saddened by his death. He was very principled; he was looking forward to upgrading his base from where it is.
“In terms of discipline, he was very strict, he wanted the best. He would have wanted to see the nation rising from the level where we are now,” Air Commodore Ngundu.
During his illustrious career, Air Commodore Maketo, produced many qualified pilots and flying instructors for the AFZ. – The Herald
