Wings of duty, shadows of power traces the events and impressions that shaped Pierre  Steyn’s professional life and, in turn, the way he came to see the world. Over more than eight decades, he witnessed —and often participated in — some of the defining moments of  South Africa’s history. His career in the defence industry placed him at the heart of a 
sector that played a pivotal role in the nation’s evolution during times of upheaval and  transformation.

From the thrill of aviation in the late 1950s, when fighter aircraft captured his imagination  and set him on a lifelong path, to the fraught politics of the 1990s, when military leadership  and political authority collided, Steyn’s journey reflects both personal conviction and  national struggle. As the country entered democracy, he became its first Secretary for Defence, navigating the hopes of a new era while confronting the shadows of scandal that  hinted at deeper challenges to come.

Looking back, Steyn views military power not simply as heroism or adventure, but as a  strategic instrument of politics—one that has reshaped battlefields, communication, travel,  and the very fabric of society. His reflections offer a rare perspective on how personal  experience and national history intertwine, revealing the forces that continue to shape South  Africa and the world.