“Prof Dewald Venter honours SA military heritage, highlighting Esprit de Corps, veteran unity, and alignment with social impact goals”
07 July 2025 | Story By: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Supplied
3 minutes read time.
South Africa’s military history is woven with narratives of resilience, leadership and unity. At a recent military heritage event hosted by the Pro Patria Museum, Professor Dewald Venter, Associate Professor in Tourism Management and Chairperson in the Faculty Research Ethics Committee at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), took centre stage to share thought-provoking insights on a subject close to his heart: the role of esprit de corps in combat readiness and veteran identity.
Delivering a presentation titled The Role of Esprit de Corps in Combat Readiness: The Will to Win, Professor Venter explored how intangible elements such as traditions, rituals and unit symbols forge deep emotional bonds that sustain soldiers during service and beyond into civilian life.
“While tactical training and equipment are vital, it is ultimately the emotional and psychological cohesion among soldiers that determines whether a unit can endure adversity and prevail,” Professor Venter explained. His research on the South African Armoured Corps (SAAC) seeks to uncover how customs such as The Flame of the Armour symbolise unity and perseverance, serving as enduring emblems of identity and duty among serving and veteran members.
Professor Venter’s fascination with military history and heritage stems from a blend of academic research and personal respect for South Africa’s soldiers. “Military history is not about glorifying conflict. It is about honouring the people, the values and the sacrifices that have helped shape our nation,” he said.
The Pro Patria Military Fair remains an essential platform for commemorating military heritage, education and community outreach. Through re-enactments, storytelling and exhibitions of authentic artefacts and memorabilia, the event bridges generational divides and ensures the preservation of South Africa’s military legacy.
For Professor Venter, one of the most moving moments at the event was witnessing a multi-generational family engage with veterans who had served in the Border War. “The mutual respect and emotional exchange in that moment highlighted the power of living history. It is not just about the past, it is about identity, belonging and transmitting values to future generations,” he reflected.
His research prioritises psychological and emotional well-being, military heritage preservation, community education and nation building initiatives. His focus on fostering historical awareness and intergenerational knowledge transfer through military heritage activities contributes meaningfully to VUT’s broader transformation vision to become a university at the forefront of socially responsive research and community development.
“Honouring our military legacy is about more than remembrance. It is about continuity, national identity and unity. Traditions and stories from our armed forces remind us of shared values, duty, courage and sacrifice that still hold meaning in South Africa today,” Professor Venter emphasised.
His ongoing research continues to explore how military customs and symbols contribute to esprit de corps and how this shapes identity and emotional well-being for both serving soldiers and veterans. By bridging the understanding between military and civilian contexts, his work underscores the relevance of shared military culture as a source of personal strength and social connection.
Looking ahead, Professor Venter advocates for greater integration of military heritage awareness into educational curricula, enhanced veteran support services and the preservation of military heritage sites. He also envisions inclusive platforms where veterans’ voices can be heard and their stories shared.
In an era marked by rapid change, Professor Dewald Venter’s reflections stand as a powerful testament to VUT’s ongoing commitment to socially responsible scholarship and heritage driven community engagement, honouring the past while inspiring future generations.