From veterans to re-enactors, military enthusiasts gathered at a recent military expo held at Cowboy Town.

Numerous re-enactors attended the event, including Dean van der Westhuizen, who previously told the Krugersdorp News that participants go all out, wearing authentic uniforms and carrying deactivated weapons.

Dean has been collecting militaria for the past eight years and joined a re-enactment group in 2023. He said he participates in events to help preserve history and educate the public.

“My favourite part of these events is interacting with the public,” he said.

Among the attendees was the West Rand Canopy. Its chairperson, Gerhard Kotze, shared background on the organisation.

He explained that in 2014, several 1 Parachute Battalion veterans gathered at a social event and began discussing the training they had undergone to qualify as paratroopers. These conversations later expanded to include their local experiences and their time on active service during the Border War.

“After these discussions, it was felt that more should be done to ensure that the legacy of 1 Parachute Battalion is respected, honoured and protected. It was agreed that a formal forum should be created where groups of Parabat veterans could meet regularly to discuss ways to keep the legacy alive, as well as how to add value to the communities they belong to and serve,” he said.

The group subsequently decided to formally represent the West Rand. Founding member Fred Adams was elected as the first chairperson when the organisation was officially named the West Rand Canopy in November 2014.

Since then, the West Rand Canopy has had several chairpersons, including Robert de Kramer and Craig Rheeders.
Gerhard currently serves in the role.

“The Canopy concept was very well received, and new Canopies were established in various provinces and areas. This led to the creation of a national body, the Parabat Veterans Organisation, founded in 2015,” Gerhard added.

Since 2015, the number of Canopies has grown to seven, with six additional groups applying for affiliation. Gerhard said they have also received a request for affiliation from a potential Canopy in Namibia.

Members frequently attend parades and wreath-laying ceremonies to honour fallen comrades. The Canopy meets monthly to discuss matters of common interest and regularly hosts guest speakers, including Ronnie Claassens, a founding member of 1 Parachute Battalion.

“Oom Ronnie, as he is fondly known, was one of 15 members sent to Britain for training on how to start a Parachute Battalion and train Parabats,” he explained.

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Monthly meetings are followed by a braai, with wives and friends welcome to attend. The group also participates in potjiekos competitions and military expos, such as the recent event at Cowboy Town, to generate interest and recruit new members.

Those interested in joining the West Rand Canopy can contact Gerhard on 083 608 0876.