South-African National Antarctic Programme

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South African National Antarctic Programme

Our Mission.....

The mission of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) is to increase understanding of the natural environment and life in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean through appropriate science and technology.

This is necessary in order to optimize present and preserve future options for South Africa in the region and to enhance predictive capability in areas of relevance nationally and internationally, and will also ensure that South Africa remains party to informed decisionmaking on matters of national interest.

South Africa maintains bases at Antarctica as well as on Marion and Gough Islands managed and administered by the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism (DEA&T).

At the Antarctic base, SANAE IV, the field of research is varied. There are programmes which provide for upper air research (e.g. cosmic rays) and others again which cover the earth sciences (e.g. geology). The base is situated at 71° 40' S 2° 51' W.

At Gough Island (40° 21' S 9° 52' W) meteorological observations are made. Marion Island (46° 52' S 37° 51' E), was at first purely a meteorological station. Research programmes are currently also being undertaken in the fields of oceanography, biology and geology.

Antarctic and Island News...

SANAP News - Headlines

»SA Agulhas on her way home from Antarctica
12 February 2010 from Sanap Headquarters
The handover on Sanae has finished with the last personnel being transported to the SA Agulhas. Good luck to the new overwintering team, may you have a wonderful and successful year!

The SA Agulhas is due back in Cape Town on 23 February 2010 at 08:00, to track her progress click here.

»SA Agulhas on her way to Gough Island...
4 September 2009 from Sanap Headquarters
The SA Agulhas left Cape Town on 3 September on her anual voyage to Gough Island. This voyage will take the new Team and fresh supplies to the Island. The ship should reach Gough Island roughly on 13 September. To track her progress click here.

»50 Years of involvement!
9 June 2009 from Sanap Headquarters
South Africa has been involved in Antarctic Research for 50 years. To celebrate that, many activities have been planned. Details and contact information can be found on this flyer (PDF)

»65th Marion Expedition return
13 May 2009 from Sanap Headquarters
On 13 May 2009, Shiraan Watson, DCO for the voyage, brings back the Marion 65 expedition to South Africa. Welcoming them back and thanking them for the good work that they have done on behalf of the Directorate: Antarctica & Islands, was Hennie Smit, Deat: Special Projects.. see photos of their arrival.

»47th Sanae Expedition return
2 March 2009 from Sanap Headquarters
At 10:00 on Monday, 2nd March 2009, the SANAE 47 expedition was returned to South Africa by the DCO Adriaan Dreyer, after having departed for Antarctica 15 months earlier aboard the SA Agulhas. Mr Henry Valentine, Director: Antarctica & Islands, was there to personally welcome each team member back and to express his thanks for a job well done... see photos of their arrival.

East Pier Shed - Headquarters, Cape Town

Cape Town - Gateway to Antarctica

Photo: Beneke de Wet

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