by Ria Olivier | Mar 16, 2020 | Antarctica, Legacy, Research, SANAP, SCAR, Science, Uncategorised
To start off SANAP Mid-Month series we have Thulani Makhalanyane 
as our first Monday Man.
Thulani Peter Makhalanyane was educated at the North West University (Mafikeng Campus), where he completed a BSc (Hons) degree in Microbiology. He then moved to the University of the Western Cape to begin microbial ecology research, earning both an MSc degree at the Institute for Microbial Ecology and Genomics in the Department of Biotechnology (obtained cum laude, 2010) and PhD (2013).
Dr Makhalanyane is a lecturer in the Department of Genetics. His lectures to third-year students are in the fields of phylogenetics and microbial ecology. He also serves as a Young Ambassador for the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME), Reviews Editor for Frontiers in Microbiology and currently Guest Associate Editor for the Terrestrial Microbiology section.
Why you love your career in science?
There are very few careers which allow you to generate new knowledge and acquire new insights on a daily basis. Working as a scientist allows me to be at the very cutting edge of knowledge generation within my field. I love being able to work in a team of scientist working on exciting projects. I get to mentor a range of students, from undergraduates to PhD, all with unique perspectives and insights. As a SANAP researcher, my work allows me access to unique study sites and locations and allows me to work on topics very few people have access to.
Latest research or study you’re working on;
We have several exciting ongoing studies. These questions aim to go beyond cataloguing microbial species diversity but assessing their ecosystem services. We typically use a combination of bioinformatics studies for these but are moving towards integrated ‘omics’ to answer our questions. Typical questions centre around, for instance, understanding the evolution of resistance gene mechanisms in natural environments.
Thulani’s Message:
Compared to choosing to work in more mainstream professions, such as medicine, careers in science can often be challenging. The challenges relate to the long periods of study required, it can take more than 8 years before attaining doctoral degrees, and the salaries are comparatively lower. However, the joys and benefits of following a career in science are extremely fulfilling and rewarding. I would encourage any student interested in science to stay focused on their goal and not be distracted. They will find that working as a scientist is probably the most rewarding endeavour.
Dr Thulani Makhalanyane was the 2014/15 winner of a TW Kambule-NSTF Award for Emerging Researchers. Dr Makalanyane received his NSTF Award trophy from the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, and the Chairman of proSET, Reinhard Meyer
Thulani is also on the South African National Committee for SCAR
See his profile Thulani Makhanlanyani and a presentation on available youtube
by Ria Olivier | Dec 18, 2019 | Announcement, Antarctica, Legacy, SANAP, Uncategorised
One of the ways Gateway nations have employed to generate an interest in Antarctica has been to hold an Antarctic launch or festival at the beginning of the Antarctic season (November to March).During the launch they celebrate their explorers, science, and remember those who perished in Antarctica endeavours. The Antarctica season in South Africa starts with the departure of S.A. Agulhas II during the first week of December. Since 2016 the Department of Environment Affairs has held seminars with the Norwegians over two days during this time. For 2019 a multilateral seminar was held over three days and the countries that leave for Antarctica from Cape Town plus China had been invited to participate.
The official opening session was addressed by Minister of Environment Forestry and Fisheries of South
Africa, Ambassador of Norway and Cape Town Port Manager. Other diplomats that attended the opening
session include Netherlands, Japan and Russia. South African stakeholders had exhibitions at the Cape
Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) over a period of four days. Dr Bemiasa of Madagascar
represented the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission sub-commission for Africa.
During the course of the multilateral seminar seven speakers from Norway, Germany, India and China
provided key note addresses and also acted as panelists. South Africans also provided some twenty one
presentations and also acted as panelists. The presentations covered Science, Polar heritage, Polar
logistics and Polar Gateways. The presentations were of a high standard and there was a healthy
exchange of ideas.
Dr Monde Mayekiso
A bilateral seminar was held with Norway 5th to 6th December. The bilateral discussions sought to identify areas of common interest and serve to deepen the relationship.
Dr Monde Mayekiso opened the Antarctic season exhibition on at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). Exhibition includes stalls from DEFF, DPW, AMSOL, SANSA, and many more. The exhibition was attended by schools, the general public and attendees of the seminars and discussions.
The Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Exhibit at the Antarctic Season Opening. The SANAE IV 360 footage on the new SANAP website has been launched during the exhibition. Dr Gilbert Siko (DSI) & Mr Nish Devanunthan (DEFF) visit the ALSA stall and Quintes Venter and Andrea Raubenheimer of FishGate.
Excelsior Secondary School learners and teachers with AMSOL and ALSA caps, DPW bags and ALSA principal investigator, Ria Olivier
by Fishgate Developer | Aug 15, 2019 | Announcement, Antarctica, Legacy, News, Newsletters, SANAE
In this edition:
Read more about the:
- Mechanical Engineer and Technical Team Leader of S58;
- wastewater treatment works at SANAE;
- recreational activities at the base: Karaoke evenings at the South African National Antarctic Expedition station and more;
- weather statistics of June 2019.
Team members of SANAE58 enjoying some outside time in the sun, after the long dark winter. L-R (Back): Travis Duck, Bongisipho Kuali, Jacques Robbertze, Mpati Boleme; (front) Dr. Salomé Odendaal, Tshimangadzo Munyai, Marvin Rankudu and Ewald Ferreira. Photo credit: Jacques Robbertze
Click here to download/view the SANAE IV Newsletter, July 2019 Edition.
Click here to view all the SANAE newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 August 2019
by Fishgate Developer | Jun 6, 2019 | Announcement, Legacy, Marion75, News, Team Photo
The 75th Marion Island Overwintering team departed on 06 April 2018 (click here to read more) and returned to Cape Town on the 15th of May 2019 (VIDEO).
Click on the link below and view their official team photo among the previous Marion Island overwintering teams.
Also visit the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive to view the team photo or team logo.
There are very few careers which allow you to generate new knowledge and acquire new insights on a daily basis. Working as a scientist allows me to be at the very cutting edge of knowledge generation 
within my field. I love being able to work in a team of scientist working on exciting projects. I get to mentor a range of students, from undergraduates to PhD, all with unique perspectives and insights. As a SANAP researcher, my work allows me access to unique study sites and locations and allows me to work on topics very few people have access to.
Dr Thulani Makhalanyane was the 2014/15 winner of a TW Kambule-NSTF Award for Emerging Researchers. Dr Makalanyane received his NSTF Award trophy from the Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, and the Chairman of proSET, Reinhard Meyer
