“Professor Dewald Venter of VUT presented eight years of military heritage tourism research at the SANDF Chief Logistics Symposium, highlighting the university’s leadership in heritage and tourism studies.”
04 November 2025 | Story:Nontobeko Moimane | Photo: Supplied
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The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) strengthened its national research footprint when Associate Professor Dewald Venter, from the Department of Tourism and Integrated Communication, presented at the Chief Logistics Military Heritage Symposium held on 28–29 October 2025.
Hosted by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the symposium brought together military historians, heritage tourism scholars, defence personnel, and industry stakeholders to explore strategies for preserving and promoting South Africa’s military heritage.
In his opening remarks, General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the SANDF, emphasised the importance of safeguarding military heritage as an integral part of the nation’s collective identity. His address set the tone for two days of thought-provoking presentations and discussions centred on heritage conservation and sustainable tourism development.
Professor Venter delivered a compelling presentation synthesising eight years of research on military heritage tourism. His work, which investigates visitor motivations, tourism experiences, and the broader social significance of South Africa’s military heritage resources, has positioned VUT as a national leader in this specialised field.
He highlighted the key pillars of military heritage tourism and demonstrated how South African military sites can contribute to education, national memory, and economic growth through sustainable tourism practices. Delegates commended his research for bridging academic insight with the practical demands of heritage management, sparking robust engagement during the Q&A session.
The symposium fostered active participation, with attendees exchanging ideas on how to preserve historical narratives while adapting to evolving tourism trends. Professor Venter’s contribution underscored VUT’s commitment to research excellence, community impact, and innovation across sectors.
The event offered a valuable platform for VUT to showcase its expertise and strengthen collaborations with the defence and tourism industries. Professor Venter’s participation not only elevated the university’s academic profile but also reinforced its commitment to preserving South Africa’s cultural and historical heritage.
As South Africa continues to chart the future of military heritage preservation, VUT’s ongoing research will remain central to shaping a more informed, sustainable, and inclusive approach to heritage tourism for generations to come.