by Ria Olivier | May 20, 2026 | Announcement, Marion Island
Following an interview with Afrikaans radio station RSG on 19 May 2026, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, confirmed that the current overwintering team stationed on Marion Island will be evacuated and returned to South Africa. The evacuation operation began when the research and supply vessel SA Agulhas II arrived at the island, situated more than 2,000 km from Cape Town. According to the Minister, the decision was necessitated by critical diesel shortages linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted fuel supply logistics essential for sustaining operations on the remote sub-Antarctic island. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is working closely with the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) to ensure the safe return of all personnel while maintaining the country’s long-standing scientific and environmental commitments in the Southern Ocean region.
Marion-eiland ontruim
by Ria Olivier | May 18, 2026 | Announcement, Gough Island, Jobs, Overwintering Team
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment invites suitably qualified South Africans to apply for positions in the Gough 72 Overwintering Team at Gough Island. Successful candidates will form part of the 2026/2027 overwintering team and will spend approximately fifteen months working and living in one of the world’s most remote and environmentally significant locations.
Applications are currently open for the following positions:
• Communications/Electronics Engineer – Ref No: OC10/2026
• Senior Meteorological Technician – Ref No: OC14/2026
• Assistant Meteorological Technician (X2 Posts) – Ref No: OC09/2026
• Diesel Mechanic – Ref No: OC11/2026
• Electrician – Ref No: OC12/2026
• Medical Orderly – Ref No: OC13/2026
The successful applicants will be stationed at Gough Island from September 2026 to October 2027 as part of SANAP’s annual overwintering programme. Team members will execute duties at the Sub-Antarctic base while adhering to strict health, safety and environmental requirements. Due to the isolated nature of the base, applicants must be self-sufficient, adaptable and capable of working effectively within a small team environment. Although the base is equipped with e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, living on Gough Island requires resilience, independence and strong interpersonal skills. The remote location may affect the physical and mental well-being of team members, as well as their family and close relationships.Short-listed candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting to determine their suitability for employment. Appointments are subject to a rigorous medical examination and psychometric assessment – hese assessments will be arranged at no cost to applicants.
Applications close on 25 May 2026.
Full details and application requirements are available in the official advertisements for each post.
For more information about Gough Island, SANAP and overwintering teams, visit SANAP
by Ria Olivier | Mar 13, 2026 | Announcement, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, SANAP Student, SEAmester
Postgraduate students in environmental and marine-related sciences are encouraged to apply for SEAmester IX – South Africa’s Class Afloat, taking place from 1–10 June 2026 aboard the country’s polar research vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II.
!!Applications close Thursday 19 March 2026!!
SEAmester is an innovative national training programme designed to introduce postgraduate students to marine science as an applied, cross-disciplinary field. Developed to support South Africa’s scientific capacity in ocean and climate research, the programme aims to attract young researchers to the region and spark long-term interest in studying global environmental change.
A Floating Classroom: The strength of SEAmester lies in its combination of theoretical learning and hands-on research at sea. Over the course of ten days, students participate in lectures from leading scientists while actively engaging in ship-based scientific work. The S.A. Agulhas II, a state-of-the-art research and polar supply vessel, provides the ideal teaching platform. Its onboard laboratories, research equipment and facilities allow students and lecturers to work closely together in an immersive scientific environment. Participants gain exposure to a wide range of marine science disciplines, including oceanography, marine biology, biogeochemistry and climate science. Daily lectures are paired with deck-based activities where students assist with research operations, collect data and learn how oceanographic instruments are deployed and analysed. Students also contribute to small scientific mini-projects, gaining practical research experience while working alongside specialist scientists.
For many participants, SEAmester represents their first time at sea and a defining moment in their scientific careers.
Fully Funded Participation: SEAmester is fully funded, with accommodation and meals provided onboard the SA Agulhas II. Travel arrangements will be made for students travelling from outside the Western Cape where necessary. Participants must hold a valid passport, as the cruise will operate outside South African waters. Medical clearances required for sea-going activities will be arranged through the programme.
Prepare a Strong Application: SEAmester is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to take time preparing their submissions. When applying, be sure to read the application requirements carefully and explain why you are a strong candidate. Demonstrate your interest in environmental or marine science and describe how the experience will contribute to your research and career goals. Write your application in your own words. The selection committee is looking for students who are motivated, curious and eager to engage in interdisciplinary research. SEAmester offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on marine research experience while learning from leading scientists at sea. For postgraduate students interested in environmental change and ocean science, this programme provides an unforgettable introduction to research in the marine environment.
DOWNLOAD STUDENTS Application form
DOWNLOAD LECTURER application form
2024 Layout Program
by Ria Olivier | Feb 26, 2026 | Announcement, Antarctica, Southern Ocean, sub-Antarctic
26 February 2026
Save the date: Workshops to update the Marine Research Plan and the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research Plan
Dear Members of the Marine and Antarctic Research Community
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, together with the National Research Foundation is scheduling two independent Research Plan workshops at the end of March 2026 to bring together representatives of the research community with the objective of updating the Marine and Antarctic research plans. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Research Plan workshop will take place on 24-25 March 2026, and the Marine Research Plan workshop will take place on 26-27 March 2026. It is acknowledged that a small number of researchers are active in both research areas, and the option to participate in both workshops is made available as the inputs into each plan will be distinct.
Together these research plans implement the 2016 Marine and Antarctic Strategy and are updated every 10 years. The new research plans will cover 2026-2036. Input documents for the workshop will be as follows:
The workshops will take the format of framing presentations from the DSTI and the NRF, breakaway groups for theme-specific discussions and feedback sessions, and group discussions for cross-cutting topics. We anticipate one full day and one half day per workshop. All sessions will be recorded and shared with a specialised writer as identified by the DSTI, who will produce the final version of each research plan. An agenda will follow in due course.
The Department does not anticipate significant changes to the themes as expressed in the 2014 2024 research plans. There is, however, a strong expectation that the new research plans pivot slightly to address the imperatives as detailed in the 2022-2032 Decadal Plan.
The workshops will be hosted in the Western Cape (venue to be determined). The National Research Foundation will assist with travel and accommodation for representatives from outside Cape Town. We have capped the participation numbers at 40 people per workshop due to financial constraints but encourage representatives from all institutions and all thematic areas to contribute both in preparation for the event, and during the event. We are hoping to have an option for virtual participation should the demand exceed to space/budget available. The colleagues that are managing the logistics elements at the NRF will suggest flight times to allow for group shuttles between the venue and the airport. This significantly cuts costs. Colleagues wishing to travel outside these timeslots will need to arrange their own transportation to the venue and back to the airport.
Physical participation in this event will be prioritised for established researchers. Institutional and thematic representation will inform final travel approvals should the numbers exceed the stipulated limits. We ask that you complete the registration forms below so that we can keep track of participants, both those requiring logistic support and those participating locally.
The link to participate virtually will be shared on request. All queries should be sent directly to me at TJ.Klarenbeek@risa.nrf.ac.za .
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the end of March 2026.
Tracy Klarenbeek
NRF: Thematic Research Support and Advancement
by Ria Olivier | Feb 10, 2026 | Announcement, Antarctica, Overwintering Team, SANAE
The S.A. Agulhas II departed to Antarctica on 24 December 2025. The 65th South African National Antarctic Expedition team (SANAE 65 was on board the vessel. The S65 team with be replacing the S64 team during this Antarctic relief voyage. The takeover function took place last night at SANAE IV.
65th South African National Antarctic Expedition team (SANAE 65)
Back l-r: Ndiphiwe Peza, Lungisa Qiniso Mkhosana Zungu, Akani Tshabalala,
Toko Mdleleni, Yanga Jonas, Samukelisiwe Mthembu, Anele Magobiyane
Front l-r: Lutho Mkhangazi, Nkhumeleni Oscar Radzhadzhi
Team Leader: Lungisa Qiniso Mkhosana Zungu
Deputy Team leader: Lutho Mkhangazi
Photo taken on S.A. Agulhas II in Cape Town Harbour 24 December 2025
by Ria Olivier | Jan 30, 2026 | Announcement, Jobs, Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, Research, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic, Team member
Applications are still open for the following positions on the sub-Antarctic, Marion Island for the overwintering period (April 2026 to May 2027)
Communications Engineer Diesel Mechanic Electrical Engineer Medical Orderly
Closing Date: 09 February 2026
The incumbent will execute duties at a Sub/Antarctic Base and adhere to the health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will spend a full year (April 2026 to May 2027) at Marion Island. There is no option to return to South Africa before May 2027. The ability to work and live with small groups of people is thus essential. Although the base is well-equipped with e-mail, fax and satellite telephone facilities, the applicant must be self-sufficient and self-motivated.
Following an interview with Afrikaans radio station RSG on 19 May 2026, South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, confirmed that the current overwintering team stationed on Marion Island will be evacuated and returned to South Africa. The evacuation operation began when the research and supply vessel SA Agulhas II arrived at the island, situated more than 2,000 km from Cape Town. According to the Minister, the decision was necessitated by critical diesel shortages linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has disrupted fuel supply logistics essential for sustaining operations on the remote sub-Antarctic island. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is working closely with the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) to ensure the safe return of all personnel while maintaining the country’s long-standing scientific and environmental commitments in the Southern Ocean region.
Applications are currently open for the following positions:
Postgraduate students in environmental and marine-related sciences are encouraged to apply for SEAmester IX – South Africa’s Class Afloat, taking place from 1–10 June 2026 aboard the country’s polar research vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II.
A Floating Classroom: The strength of SEAmester lies in its combination of theoretical learning and hands-on research at sea. Over the course of ten days, students participate in lectures from leading scientists while actively engaging in ship-based scientific work. The S.A. Agulhas II, a state-of-the-art research and polar supply vessel, provides the ideal teaching platform. Its onboard laboratories, research equipment and facilities allow students and lecturers to work closely together in an immersive scientific environment. Participants gain exposure to a wide range of marine science disciplines, including oceanography, marine biology, biogeochemistry and climate science. Daily lectures are paired with deck-based activities where students assist with research operations, collect data and learn how oceanographic instruments are deployed and analysed. Students also contribute to small scientific mini-projects, gaining practical research experience while working alongside specialist scientists.
Prepare a Strong Application: SEAmester is highly competitive, and applicants are encouraged to take time preparing their submissions. When applying, be sure to read the application requirements carefully and explain why you are a strong candidate. Demonstrate your interest in environmental or marine science and describe how the experience will contribute to your research and career goals. Write your application in your own words. The selection committee is looking for students who are motivated, curious and eager to engage in interdisciplinary research. SEAmester offers a rare opportunity to gain hands-on marine research experience while learning from leading scientists at sea. For postgraduate students interested in environmental change and ocean science, this programme provides an unforgettable introduction to research in the marine environment.
26 February 2026
Back l-r: Ndiphiwe Peza, Lungisa Qiniso Mkhosana Zungu, Akani Tshabalala,
Toko Mdleleni, Yanga Jonas, Samukelisiwe Mthembu, Anele Magobiyane
Front l-r: Lutho Mkhangazi, Nkhumeleni Oscar Radzhadzhi
Team Leader: Lungisa Qiniso Mkhosana Zungu
Deputy Team leader: Lutho Mkhangazi
Photo taken on S.A. Agulhas II in Cape Town Harbour 24 December 2025
Applications are still open for the following positions on the sub-Antarctic, Marion Island for the overwintering period (April 2026 to May 2027)
