PROF ANDREAS (‘DRIES’) VELTHUIZEN is a peace and security studies specialist focusing on peace and security education. As a practitioner, he focuses on integrating knowledge to create innovative peace and security solutions, specifically violence prevention.

He leads, inspires, and activates peace and human security, interconnected with like-minded people worldwide. As a retired academic, he lectures and supervises postgraduate students in dispute resolution, peace and conflict studies, and security management.

On invitation, he also facilitates and participates in workshops and conferences in South Africa and abroad. The National Research Foundation (NRF) in South Africa rates him as an established researcher with international standing. Notably, he is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal for Global Change, Peace and Security and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the influential African Security Review.

His academic publications include two co-edited books, 30 articles and book chapters related to peace and security in South Africa. His education includes a D Litt et Phil in Politics (specialising in African Renaissance Studies), an MA and BA Hons in Strategic Studies, and a BA in International Politics. As a retired academic, he is Adjunct Professor of the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and is associated with the Thabo Mbeki School for Public and International Affairs and the Department of Criminal and Procedural Law, College of Law, University of South Africa (Unisa).

Dries exited the SANDF in 2009 as a full Colonel after a 34-year career in the South African military, having served in South Africa, the DRC, Swaziland and Namibia. Most importantly, he has been the husband of Sarie for 42 years, is the father of a son and a daughter, and is a grandfather of three grandchildren.