by Ria Olivier | Nov 30, 2023 | Announcement, Legacy, Obituary, Oceanography, Research, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, SEAmester, Southern Ocean, Women in Science
It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of Dr Precious Thembumuzi Mahlalela.
Dr Mahlalela, Research Coordinator of the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) LTO-Ocean Integrated Facility, passed away on 28 November 2023 after a short battle with cancer.
Dr Mahlalela joined NRF-SAEON (host of SAPRI) in May 2023 at the same time as successfully finishing off the corrections for her PhD in Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences thesis, entitled Variability and Trends in Rainy Season Characteristics of the Eastern Cape. She was due to graduate in December.
Upon joining the SAPRI team, she threw herself straight into the adventure, assisting with SEAmester and providing great support at sea. As soon as she was back on dry land she flew to China to learn about moorings. Although this was her first international trip, she approached it like the other challenges she has faced, with a calm and humble attitude, open to learning and new experiences. Upon her return, she insisted on accompanying the SEAON team on a science engagement roadshow in the Western Cape to inspire young minds. She continued to work with the same positive energy and gentle sense of humour that endeared her to everyone.
“In the short time she was with us at SAPRI she became part of our family. Taken from us far too soon, her light will continue to shine through the friendships she made, the individuals she worked with, and the souls she ignited with inspiration. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. We have the watch now” Prof Juliet Hermes – SAPRI and SAEON Egagasini Manager.
Dear Precious
Your warmth and gentle spirit shone so brightly that any room you walked into lit up with a soft glow. You were an angel on this earth who combined both a bubbly and calming presence and we will miss you more than any words can convey. We were so honoured to have worked with you.
Go gently dearest Precious. With love, from the SAPRI team.
The SAPRI team and SAEON Egagasini team will miss you dearly.
Our deepest condolences to Precious’s family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of meeting her.
Obituary of Precious Mahlalela by Juliet Hermes, Tammy Morris, Anne Treasure, Errol Julies, Anche Louw, Abu Nguna, Rabia Mathakutha and Riesna R. Audh, 30 November 2023.
by Ria Olivier | Aug 25, 2023 | Antarctica, Legacy, Marion Island, News, Prince Edward Islands, Research, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAE IV, SANAP, SAPolarRI, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, STEM, sub-Antarctic
The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) with the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) and the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Egagasini Node visited Generation Schools Imhoff, in Kommetjie on 20 July 2023.
Generations Primary is based on the Montessori ethos of independent children working and the Cambridge model of education. The school structure consists of various phases with mixed-age groupings “which allows children to work together, to learn from and teach each other.” The mixed-age group 9 – 12 years has recently completed projects and tasks related to the Antarctic environment, creating a space where learners can develop, in a creative way, a sense of the 7th continent. The invite to visit the school to further connect the application of academics in the real world was welcomed.
The 110 learners with teachers, were presented with a rhythmic exercise with boom-whackers (musical plastic tubes) as an ice-breaker activity, which was followed by a “Journey through the Southern Ocean, via Marion Island, to Antarctica”, which was presented by Ria Olivier (ALSA), Sikelelwa Mtyenene (SAEON Egagasini Node), Abuyiselwe Nguna (SAPRI) and Riesna R. Audh (SAPRI). Various interactive exhibits were set up in the school hall, which further gave learners the opportunity to interact with the ALSA, SAPRI and SAEON teams.
“Journey through the Southern Ocean, via Marion Island, to Antarctica”
Follow the journey below.
| Start at Cape Town Harbour - Ria Olivier
History: Archivist with 10 years' involvement in SANAP and Principal Investigator of the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa project, talks about South Africa's involvement in the Antarctic regions. |
| Sail past the coast of South Africa - Sikelelwa Mtyenene
Coastal voyage: research conducted in the coast off South Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. |
| Stop at Marion Island - Abuyiselwe Nguna
Science weather, fauna and flora. The speaker shares his experience as a field assistant, part of a Marion Island overwintering team member. |
| Cross the Southern Ocean - Riesna Audh
Oceanographic sampling on board the South African research and supply vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II. |
| Pass seaice and icebergs - Riesna Audh
The speaker has been on board the S.A. Agulhas II during various Antarctic expeditions (counting to over 300 days in total), for her research on sea ice in the Antarctic marginal ice zone. She shares her experiences. |
| Arrive at Antarctica - Abuyiselwe Nguna
What you can expect. Antarctic operations. Clothing (protective gear) and more info about the South African National Antarctic Expedition station (SANAE IV). |
Interactive exhibits
This collaborative science engagement event was focused on communicating marine and Antarctic research in such a way to foster curiosity for these regions. The school also received a set of books sponsored by the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (see image below).
Video: Leaving fingerprints on Antarctica.
Graphic element (Journey to Antarctica) designed by: Riesna R. Audh, SAPRI, Polar Lab.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 25 August 2023.
by Ria Olivier | May 4, 2023 | Announcement, Antarctica, Gough Island, Legacy, Marion Island, News, Prince Edward Islands, SA Agulhas II, SA Polar Research Infrastructure, SANAE IV, SANAP, SAPolarRI, SAPRI, Southern Ocean
Dear Colleagues,
As I prepare to turn the page of a decade-long chapter of managing Operations and Infrastructure Support for Antarctica and Southern Ocean work and move on to new horizons, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Working together in enabling South Africa’s presence in this unique and challenging environment has been an unforgettable experience that has enriched my life in countless ways.
The extreme conditions and remoteness of the environment have demanded the best of me, and I am incredibly proud to have been part of it all. It sometimes felt like dealing with the logistical complexities of supporting Marine and Antarctic activities were the same as navigating the harsh ice conditions. We have faced and overcome numerous challenges as a team. Even though we may not have agreed on everything, the bonds we have built and the memories we have made will always hold a special place in my heart. I am truly grateful for the friendships, support, agreements and disagreements we have shared.
I am also deeply appreciative for being entrusted to manage South Africa’s presence in these pristine environments, and to have personally witnessed the beauty and wonder of Antarctica, Marion Island and Gough Island. The rough seas, breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and understanding that there is so few which get this opportunity, have left an indelible mark on me, and I will forever cherish these memories.
As I move on to new endeavours away from the Ocean and Polar space, I will carry with me the valuable lessons I have learned especially when dealing with an unpredictable environment – the importance of adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and tenacity. The various curveballs and unexpected challenges have made me more resourceful in finding solutions. I am confident that the skills and experience gained will serve me well in my future pursuits.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your unwavering support, dedication, and friendship during my tenure in the Antarctic and Marine space. I will always treasure the memories and the connections made, and I wish you all the very best in your ongoing work in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean or wherever your paths may lead you.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey, and please stay in touch.
With deepest gratitude,
Nish Devanunthan
Former Operations Coordinator: South African Polar Research Infrastructure (2022 to 2023)
Former Director – Operations and Engineering: South African National Antarctic Program (2013 to 2022)
Farewell gathering at SAEON Egagasini Node end of April 2023
Message from the SAPRI Team:
Even though Nish was with SAEON and SAPRI for only 9 months, he left a great legacy and managed to really ramp up the operations within SAPRI. He has a fountain of knowledge on Antarctica and Islands, DFFE, the S.A. Agulhas II and supply chain management, yet he still has a great sense of humour and commitment to action in the face of bureaucracy.
Nish, fair winds and following seas, we have the watch (although might ring you every now and then!).
SAEON Egagasini Node and SAPRI Team (L-R) Back: Simoné Louw (Node Administrator), Laura Braby (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), Saffiya Seddick (Seamap Coordinator), Juan-Jacques Forgus (Technician), Nicole du Plessis (Science Officer), Arno Botha (PhD Student), Zach Smith (Systems Developer), Nkululeko Memela (Operational Ocean Modeller); (middle) Lara Atkinson (Offshore Marine Scientist), Jennifer Veitch (Numerical Ocean Modeller), Anne Treasure (SAPRI DPS Node Manager), Anche Louw (SAPRI Digital Marketing and Communications Manager), Daneeja Mawren (Postdoctoral Research Fellow); (front) Juliet Hermes (SAEON Egagasini Node Manager and SAPRI Manager), Nish Devanunthan (Former SAPRI Operations Coordinator) and Thomas Mtontsi (Science Engagement Officer).
Feature Image: Nish Devanunthan at the South African National Antarctic Expedition Station, SANAE IV.
Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI DPS Node), 04 May 2023
by Ria Olivier | Dec 15, 2022 | Announcement, Antarctica, Legacy, News, Overwintering Team, SA Agulhas II, SANAE, SANAP, Stations, Take-Over Operations
The S.A. Agulhas II is expected to depart to Antarctica today, 15 December 2022.
The 62nd South African National Antarctic Expedition team (SANAE 62) is on board the vessel. The S62 team with be replacing the S61 team during this Antarctic relief voyage.
62nd South African National Antarctic Expedition team (SANAE 62)
Bon Voyage to all on board the S.A. Agulhas II.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 December 2022
by Ria Olivier | Nov 15, 2022 | Announcement, Legacy, Marion Island, News, Newsletters>Marion Island Newsletters, Overwintering Team, Research, SANAP, Stations, sub-Antarctic
The 79th Marion Island Overwintering team has compiled their 3rd newsletter, filled with interesting stories and fascinating photography!
In this edition:
- Meet the Diesel Mechanic, Ecologist and Medical Orderly of the team
- Marion’s Marvelous Birds – Grey Petrels
- Fashionable Field Gear
- Memorable Shots
- Sealer Diaries
- The Mouse-Free Marion Project
- Island Life
- Celebrations – August and September Birthdays
- Sports’ Time
- A Typical Day – from a Sealer’s point of view
- The Team – what have we been up to?
- A Time to Explore
- Song Pick for August
- Circle of Life – Breeding Season is in the Air
- Weather for the Brave
The Wanderer – August to September 2022 Edition
Check out all this team’s newsletter on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive here.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 November 2022
by Ria Olivier | Sep 27, 2022 | Announcement, Antarctica, Legacy, Research, SANAP, SANAP Student, Science, STEM
Applications are now open to join the national committee of APECS-SA, the South African National Committee of APECS (Association of Polar Early Career Scientists).
APECS-SA is looking for early career scientists, enthusiasts, naturalists, and good storytellers passionate about Polar Research, to join the team.
As polar researchers, we are responsible for communicating the value of polar research, and APECS-SA needs your help!
If you are not an APECS member yet, join APECS-SA today and apply to be on the National Committee.
Application deadline: 31 October 2022
Apply here!
The current National Committee
Read more about the NC members
Read more about APECS-SA
Applications are now open to join the national committee of 
