The Faculty of Humanities at Sol Plaatje University (SPU) invites members of the University community and the public to attend the Fourth Annual Sailor Malan Memorial Lecture on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
Presented by renowned motivational speaker and security expert Mr Rory Steyn, the lecture will explore the theme “Sailor Malan and The Few: Why Courage and Character Matter.” The event will reflect on the enduring legacy of Adolph Gysbert “Sailor” Malan, one of South Africa’s most distinguished military figures, whose life exemplified courage, leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Event Details
Topic: Sailor Malan and The Few: Why Courage and Character Matter
Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
Time: 11:00 to 14:00
Venue: Hybrid (Auditorium 2, Humanities Building, Central Campus, 26 Scanlan Street, Labram, Kimberley, and online here
Presenter: Mr Rory Steyn
Date: Saturday, 12 September 2026
Time: 11:00 to 14:00
Venue: Hybrid (Auditorium 2, Humanities Building, Central Campus, 26 Scanlan Street, Labram, Kimberley, and online here
Presenter: Mr Rory Steyn
Sailor Malan is remembered internationally as one of the most celebrated fighter pilots of the Second World War. A South African-born Royal Air Force ace, he played a pivotal role during the Battle of Britain and became synonymous with the courage and determination symbolised by the iconic Spitfire aircraft.
Yet Malan’s legacy extends far beyond his wartime achievements. Guided by a profound sense of justice and moral conviction, he continued to fight for what he believed was right long after the war ended. Upon returning to South Africa, he emerged as a prominent opponent of apartheid, serving as President of the Torch Commando, an organisation formed by former servicemen and women who challenged discriminatory policies.
His life serves as a powerful reminder that courage is not merely the absence of fear, but the determination to act in the face of adversity. Through this memorial lecture, attendees will have an opportunity to reflect on the enduring relevance of courage, ethical leadership, and personal responsibility in contemporary society.
Rory Steyn is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s leading protection and security professionals. With more than three decades of experience in policing, intelligence, and VIP protection, he is perhaps best known for leading President Nelson Mandela’s personal security team after joining the Presidential Protection Unit in 1996.
Steyn’s close working relationship with President Mandela provided unique insights into leadership, humility, and service, lessons he continues to share with audiences across South Africa and beyond. His expertise has also extended to international sports security, where he has contributed to major global sporting events.
In 2000, together with journalist Debra Patta, he authored One Step Behind Mandela: The Story of Rory Steyn, Nelson Mandela’s Chief Bodyguard. He is also the co-founder of NSA Global Security and continues to provide strategic security leadership for major sporting events around the world.
The Faculty of Humanities encourages all members of the SPU community to attend this thought-provoking lecture and engage with the life and legacy of a South African who demonstrated extraordinary courage both in wartime and in the struggle for justice.
