During the 6th Symposium sessions were allocated to cross cutting disciplines and it led to great presentations and discussions. After the governance session on the 2nd day of the symposium a few cross-cutting themes took place. This post focus on:
CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT within SANAP
Prof Isabelle Ansorge of UCT and PI of SEAmester chaired the session on capacity development and she introduce the session with the presentations: “SEAmester 6 Voyages later.”
She outlined the strength of SEAmester is that it combines theoretical classroom learning with the application of this knowledge through ship-based, and more importantly, hands-on research through the Agulhas System Climate Array (ASCA) programme. During past voyages 241 students from 26 universities all over South Africa having participated in these cruises. The presentation showed how successful this programme has been, but also the challenges that have been faced. A few were showcased of what has become of some of the SEAmester students. 
Isabelle’s presentation was followed by two SEAmester students. Themba Mbalati(above left) a SEAmester student gave a presentation on:” The perceptions of participants on the impact of South Africa’s Class Afloat Program (SEAmester) and its links with travel and tourism.”
Rudzani Silima, the top student for SEAmester in 2019 gave a presentation on the Antarctic Youth Coalition. Rudzi become part of this coalition when she has been nominated the top student. She outlined the aim and mission of the AYC and the importance of attracting new members and challenge the Gateway cities into practicing sustainability, using the model of Antarctic governance for instance, cooperation, diplomacy, science and best of all collaboration between countries to meet a sustainable end.
Sandy Thomalla of SOCCO concluded the session with the presentation:” The SOCCO Trajectory – A brief synopsis of our origin, emergence and strategic direction”. The presentation gave the impact of SOCCO that continues to make a growing contribution to our understanding of the role that fine-scale dynamics play in shaping the phasing and magnitudes of the seasonal cycle and its inter-annual variability. Phase IV will bring the Ocean Climate science to the south African society.
Please see more posts on Cross-Cutting themes such as infrastructures and data management on the SANAP website!
