“VUT Tourism Management students explored exhibition design, heritage conservation and visitor engagement at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History, connecting classroom learning with real-world tourism practice.”
09 September 2026 | Story by: Staff Reporter | Picture: Supplied
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Second-year Tourism Management students from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) stepped beyond the classroom on 07 September 2026 to explore one of South Africa’s premier heritage attractions, the Ditsong National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg, as part of their applied tourism learning programme.
The educational excursion provided students with an opportunity to experience first-hand how heritage tourism attractions are managed, interpreted and presented to visitors, bridging the gap between classroom theory and industry practice.
Heritage tourism extends beyond sightseeing. It involves interpreting history, culture and identity in ways that are engaging, educational and respectful to diverse audiences. Military heritage sites provide a unique learning environment by combining artefacts, architecture, storytelling and memorialisation within a carefully curated visitor experience.
“The visit provided students with an opportunity to examine a functioning heritage tourism attraction outside the classroom,” said Prof Dewald Venter, Associate Professor in the Department of Tourism and Integrated Communication.
Through guided exploration of the museum’s collections, students engaged with different aspects of South African and international military history, including the Anglo-Boer War, the First and Second World Wars, regional conflicts and the struggle against apartheid.
Viewing the museum through a tourism management lens, students examined how visitor experiences are designed for different audience groups, including school learners, researchers and international tourists. They observed how exhibition layouts, interpretive displays, lighting and storytelling techniques contribute to visitor engagement while balancing educational value and accessibility.
The visit also exposed students to heritage conservation practices that preserve historically significant artefacts while ensuring they remain accessible and meaningful to the public. Students explored how museums use narrative and interpretation to
connect personal stories with broader national and global histories, creating memorable and emotionally engaging visitor experiences.
Experiences of this nature play an important role in tourism education by enabling students to apply theoretical concepts in a real-world environment. Beyond understanding heritage attractions as tourism products, students gained practical insight into visitor management, accessibility considerations, educational programming and the operational realities of running a heritage site.
Reflecting on the experience, Ms Nomthandazo Masiapoa said the visit brought history to life.
“Visiting the museum felt like walking back in time. It gave me an opportunity to learn more about our history, our roots and the conflicts that helped shape South Africa. The South African War Memorial was particularly impressive, and exploring the interior of the Dakota aircraft was both exciting and memorable. Experiences like this make history feel much more immediate than simply reading about it.”
She added that she would recommend the museum to anyone interested in learning more about South Africa’s military history.
Fellow student Mr Roneal Jaers described the visit as both educational and inspiring.
“The visit was a fascinating experience. Learning about the realities of war, particularly the First and Second World Wars, gave me a greater appreciation of the sacrifices made by those who fought and gave their lives. One of the most impressive exhibits for me was the Rhino self-propelled gun. Its sheer size, engineering and technology made it particularly interesting.”
He also highlighted his interest in exhibits that showcased the role of female Soviet tank crews during the Second World War, noting that the museum offered perspectives and insights that extend beyond what can typically be learned from textbooks.
As VUT advances its Strategy 2033+ vision, initiatives such as this museum visit reflect the University’s commitment to practice-oriented and industry-relevant education. In an evolving tourism sector where heritage attractions are increasingly expected to be inclusive, technologically enhanced and responsive to diverse historical narratives, students require more than theoretical knowledge.
By engaging directly with leading heritage institutions, VUT students are developing the practical skills, critical thinking and professional understanding needed to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s growing heritage tourism sector.