by Ria Olivier | May 16, 2025 | Commemorative Days
An Ocean of Opportunities for Women – Celebrating Women in Maritime National Day 2025
As we mark Women in Maritime National Day 2025, we celebrate the increasing presence, leadership, and impact of women in South Africa’s polar and ocean research landscape—especially aboard the SA Agulhas II, our country’s premier polar research and supply vessel.
Women have become an integral part of the multidisciplinary teams that sail on the S.A. Agulhas II. From crew ensuring the ship’s safe and efficient operation, to researchers and postgraduate students driving innovation in engineering—our polar vessel is a vibrant space of opportunity for women in STEM and maritime careers.
These women are not only contributing to high-impact research, but they are also contributing shaping the future of polar and marine sciences. Their presence aboard the SA Agulhas II—whether deploying oceanographic instruments in the Southern Ocean or doing research on engineering of the S.A. Agulhas II —demonstrates a shared commitment to sustainable science and exploration.
As the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, we honour these women and continue to document and celebrate their journeys as much as possible. They are charting new waters and opening doors for the next generation of women in science and maritime fields—truly navigating an ocean of opportunities.
by Ria Olivier | Apr 25, 2025 | Antarctica, Gough Island, International Days, Marine Protected Area, Marion Island, Mice Eradication, Ornithology, Research, SANAP
Every year on April 25th, we celebrate International Penguin Day—a global reminder of the unique role penguins plays in our planet’s ecosystems. These birds are not just symbols of the icy South—they are indicators of ocean health and climate change. From the sub-Antarctic islands to the Antarctic continent itself, penguins serve as sentinels of the sea, helping scientists track environmental shifts that affect us all.
South Africa plays a vital role in this mission through its National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), which supports long-term ecological research at key sites such as Gough Island, Marion Island, and Antarctica. These research stations are crucial hubs for studying penguin populations like the Northern Rockhopper on Gough Island and the Macaroni penguins on Marion Island. Scientists monitor breeding patterns, foraging behaviour, and survival rates—data that provide early warnings about oceanic changes. In Antarctica, SANAP researchers study Adélie and Emperor penguins, whose survival is intimately tied to the health of sea ice and krill populations.
By investing in these research efforts, South Africa not only contributes to global conservation science but also highlights the importance of protecting our shared polar heritage. This International Penguin Day let’s celebrate the science that keeps these beloved birds waddling into the future.
by Ria Olivier | Apr 22, 2025 | International Days, Research, SANAP, Science
On Earth Day 2025, we recognize the vital role of science in securing the future of our planet. South Africa’s commitment to environmental stewardship is powerfully reflected in its research presence at Antarctica, Marion Island, and Gough Island, under the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP). These remote, pristine locations serve as natural laboratories for understanding global climate systems, ocean circulation, and the health of marine ecosystems. From monitoring atmospheric carbon levels in Antarctica to studying biodiversity on Marion Island, South African researchers are gathering critical data that informs climate models, shapes conservation strategies, and guides global efforts to mitigate climate change.
The work conducted through SANAP not only enhances our understanding of Earth’s most vulnerable environments but also strengthens global collaboration on environmental sustainability. Long-term monitoring of weather patterns, sea temperatures, and wildlife populations across these islands contributes directly to international climate assessments and helps predict future planetary changes. As we mark Earth Day, let us celebrate the dedication of researchers who brave the extremes to ensure a liveable Earth for generations to come. Their efforts remind us that the answers to many of our environmental challenges lie in the farthest corners of our world—and that the time to act on them is now.
by Ria Olivier | Mar 23, 2025 | Antarctica, Gough Island, International Days, Marion Island, Meteorology, Overwintering Team, Research
Each year, on March 23rd, the global community observes World Meteorological Day, commemorating the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1950. This day highlights the pivotal role meteorology plays in ensuring the safety and well-being of societies worldwide. In 2025, we focus on the indispensable contributions of meteorologists stationed at the South African National Antarctic Programme’s (SANAP) remote research stations: SANAE IV in Antarctica, Marion Island, and Gough Island.
On this World Meteorological Day, we extend our gratitude to the meteorologists of SANAP’s overwintering teams. Their unwavering commitment and resilience in some of the most challenging environments ensure that we continue to deepen our understanding of Earth’s atmospheric processes, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of societies worldwide.
SANAE IV (South African National Antarctic Expedition IV): Located at 71°S, 2°W in Antarctica, SANAE IV. Meteorological observations are conducted year-round, providing critical data on atmospheric conditions in this remote region.
Marion Island: Situated at 46°S, 37°E in the Southern Indian Ocean. The island’s meteorological station collects essential weather data, contributing to climate studies and aiding in the understanding of global weather patterns.
Gough Island: Located at 40°S, 9°W in the South Atlantic Ocean, Gough Island has hosted a South African weather station since 1956. The station conducts hourly climate observations and upper-air ascents, playing a crucial role in monitoring weather systems that can impact South Africa.
Meteorologists assigned to these stations undertake year-long deployments, known as overwintering periods, during which they perform several critical functions:
Surface Observations: Conducting regular measurements of temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other atmospheric parameters to monitor and document local weather conditions.
Upper-Air Observations: Launching weather balloons equipped with instruments to collect data on atmospheric pressure, temperature, and humidity at various altitudes, which is vital for understanding weather patterns and forecasting.
Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring that all meteorological instruments and equipment are calibrated and functioning correctly to maintain the accuracy and reliability of collected data.
Data Management: Recording, analyzing, and transmitting collected meteorological data to the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and other relevant organizations for use in weather forecasting and climate research.
The data collected by SANAP’s overwintering meteorologists contribute significantly to:
Weather Forecasting: Providing accurate and timely data that enhance the precision of weather forecasts, benefiting maritime navigation, aviation, and local communities.
Climate Research: Offering valuable insights into climate variability and change, particularly in the understudied southern hemisphere regions.
Environmental Monitoring: Supporting studies on the interactions between the atmosphere and the unique ecosystems of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands, aiding in the conservation of these fragile environments.
by Ria Olivier | Feb 11, 2025 | Announcement, Antarctica, Overwintering Team, SANAE
The South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) proudly announces the members of the SANAE 64 Overwintering Team, who will be stationed at the SANAE IV research base in Antarctica for the 2024-2025 season. These dedicated individuals will brave the extreme conditions of the Antarctic winter, conducting essential scientific research and maintaining the operations of the base. (Image below taken at Cape Town Harbour before leaving for SANAEIV)
Meet the SANAE 64 Team
The SANAE 64 team comprises experts from various disciplines, including meteorology, engineering, medicine, and communications. Each member plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of South Africa’s Antarctic research programme.
SNR Meteorological Technician / Team Leader: Mbulaheni Kelcey Maewashe – SAWS
Electronics Engineer /Deputy Team Leader: Nivek Ghazi – SANSA
Medical Doctor: Dr Sihle Mpho Lawana – DFFE
Mechanical Engineer: Nkululeko Welcome Khoza – DFFE
Communications Engineer: Athenkosi Mabope – DFFE
Electronics Engineer: Geomarr van Tonder – SANSA
Instrumentation Technician: Allowed Tumelo Seepane –DFFE
Diesel Mechanic: Alian Stuart Jacobs – DFFE
Electro Mechanical Engineer: Lebogang James Tsime –DFFE
The SANAE 64 team will continue vital research initiatives, including climate monitoring, atmospheric studies, and geological surveys. They will also ensure the maintenance and functionality of the SANAE IV base throughout the long winter months. Overwintering in Antarctica is both a privilege and a challenge. The team will face months of extreme cold, isolation, and 24-hour darkness during the winter period. Their resilience, teamwork, and dedication are essential in continuing South Africa’s scientific contributions to global research efforts.
Follow Their Journey
Throughout their mission, the SANAE 64 team will provide updates on their work and experiences in Antarctica. Follow SANAP on social media and stay tuned for insights into life at SANAEIV.
We wish the SANAE 64 team a successful and safe expedition on this incredible journey!
