Deon Francois Schonland Fourie (17 November 1932 – 10 September 2025) was a South African officer, academic, military historian and heraldist. He served in the South African Defence Force (SADF), where he commanded the Pretoria Armour Regiment from 1975 to 1980,[1] and was later promoted to brigadier general, serving as Director Citizen Force Liaison.[2][3]
In parallel with his military service, Fourie held a long-standing academic appointment as professor of strategic studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA) from 1968 to 1997.[1][4]
Fourie was also known for his decades-long voluntary leadership within the Order of St John, serving in national roles including Vice Chancellor of the Priory in South Africa. In recognition of this service, he was appointed a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order in 2021.[5]
From 1995 to 1997, Fourie chaired the Heraldry Council, a statutory body advising the South African government on heraldic matters.[6][7]
Fourie was born in Johannesburg and raised in Sabie, Lichtenburg, and Pietersburg (now Polokwane), where he completed his schooling. He later studied at the University of Natal in Durban and the University of the Witwatersrand.[8][better source needed]
Fourie began his military service in the South African Army's armoured corps. From 1975 to 1980, he served as Officer Commanding of the Pretoria Armour Regiment.[1] He was later promoted to brigadier general and appointed Director Citizen Force Liaison on the general staff of the SADF.[2][3]
His military honours include the Southern Cross Decoration, Military Merit Medal, the John Chard Decoration, and the Pro Patria Medal.[1]
From 1968 until 1997, Fourie served as professor of strategic studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in Pretoria.[1][9]
In 2021, in recognition of his service to the Order of St John in South Africa including positions as Chair of the Priory Executive Committee, Chair of the Order Affairs Council, and ultimately Vice Chancellor of the Priory in South Africa, Fourie was appointed a Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John, one of the highest grades within the Order.[5]
Fourie served as Chairman of the South African Heraldry Council, the statutory body responsible for the approval of coats of arms, badges, and other heraldic representations in South Africa, from 1995 to 1997.[6]
He has been awarded the
Venerable Order of Saint John (Gr I - Bailiff/Dame Grand Cross) (GCStJ) Venerable Order of Saint John (Gr II - Knight of Justice or Grace) (KStJ)
Southern Cross Decoration (SD)
Southern Cross Medal (1975) (SM)
Military Merit Medal (MMM)
Pro Patria Medal
General Service Medal (South Africa)
Unitas (Unity) Medal
John Chard Decoration (with 40 year clasp) (JCD)
John Chard Medal
General Service MedalFourie has authored a range of academic papers focusing on South African military history, civil-military relations, and defence policy. Selected works include.[12]
