“VUT’s Prof Dewald Venter has been appointed trustee of the SANMMH Building and Development Trust, strengthening heritage preservation and collaboration.”
28 July 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Supplied
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The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) has welcomed with pride the appointment of Professor Dewald Venter, Associate Professor in the Tourism and Integrated Communication Department, as a Member and Office Bearer of the South African National Museum of Military History (SANMMH) Building and Development Trust, effective from 27 July 2026. The Trust supports the South African National Museum of Military History, which forms part of Ditsong Museums of South Africa in Johannesburg.
This appointment marks a significant professional milestone for Prof Venter and further strengthens VUT’s growing footprint in national heritage, research and public scholarship. The Museum is one of South Africa’s leading heritage institutions, preserving and interpreting the country’s military history, from the Anglo-Boer War and the World Wars to the liberation struggle and contemporary peacekeeping missions.
The Building and Development Trust plays a pivotal role in ensuring the Museum’s long-term sustainability and relevance. Its mandate includes fundraising, infrastructure development, modernisation of exhibitions and improved accessibility, all aimed at strengthening the institution as a centre for education, remembrance and historical research.
Reflecting on his appointment, Prof Venter described it as both an honour and a responsibility. “This role carries a deep obligation to ensure that military heritage remains accessible, relevant and meaningful to future generations,” he said.
Beyond individual achievement, the appointment creates meaningful opportunities for institutional collaboration. Prof Venter emphasised the potential for partnerships between VUT and the Museum, including student-led projects, interdisciplinary research initiatives, curriculum enrichment, community engagement programmes and experiential learning platforms. These prospects align closely with VUT’s strategic commitment to innovation, transformation and social impact.
The appointment positions VUT at the intersection of higher education, heritage preservation, and public engagement, reinforcing its role as a university that not only generates knowledge but also actively contributes to national development and historical consciousness.
As VUT advances its academic and societal impact agenda, Prof Venter’s involvement with the SANMMH Building and Development Trust stands as a testament to the calibre of its academics and the University’s growing influence beyond the lecture room.