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 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 progressclick 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.
