Introducing the SANAE 64 Overwintering Team for 2025-2026
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!
We would like to take this moment to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has supported our overwintering teams. To the families, friends, and loved ones who provide the emotional support necessary for our teams to thrive, your understanding and encouragement are invaluable. To the various stakeholders, including the South African government, research organizations, and our international collaborators, thank you for your continued partnership and belief in the importance of Antarctic research.
To the overwintering teams themselves, we are incredibly proud of your unwavering dedication. Your perseverance, expertise, and positive spirit inspire us all and are the foundation of the success of the South African National Antarctic Programme. We also want to acknowledge the incredible teamwork that made all of this possible. The spirit of cooperation among SANAP’s overwintering teams is something that continues to inspire us all. Even in isolation, you worked together as a family, relying on each other to overcome the challenges the Antarctic winter throws your way.
To all our overwintering teams, their families, we wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season. May 2025 bring new discoveries, further achievements, and continued collaboration.
Happy Holidays and a Successful 2025!
A departure ceremony took place at East Pier, Cape Town today. Mr. Rodgerson Hlophe(right) – Acting Director: Southern Oceans and Antarctic Support was the Programme director and introduce the takeover personnel and the Gough 70 overwintering team.
Acting Chief Director: Specialist Monitoring Services Ashley Johnson gave a farewell speech to GOUGH 70 overwintering team. and wishes them all the best for the time they will spend on Gough Island.
In the SANAP community we are celebrating all those involved as Researchers, Scientists, and Students at tertiary and research institutions and infrastructures, and personnel within the National Research Foundation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the Department of Public works and Infrastructure, the South African Weather Services, the South African National Space Agency, the South African Polar Research Infrastructure and all the women serving as part of the crew of the S.A. Agulhas II.
Celebrating our women overwintering team members at our stations: Antarctica (SANAEIV), Marion Island and Gough Island.
2024 women’s day commemoration is a reminder of the important contributions that are made by women to society, as well as a time to reflect on the advances in women’s rights. During 30 years of democracy, South Africa has made significant strides in advancing gender equality in all domains of society, including economic empowerment of women.
Women’s Day 2024 is the first national day led by the Government of National Unity (GNU) and takes place in a rural community as part of including all South Africans in national events, and placing a focus on the achievements and needs of women in all corners of the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate the 
(Back L – R) Meshack Mogorosi – Diesel Mechanic (DFFE) and Team Leader; Lucy Dorman – Field Assistant – Birder (RSPB); Mbulaheni Kelcey Maewashe – Senior Meteorological Technician (SAWS); Fulufhelo Brenda Khobo – Meteorological Technician (SAWS); Hannah Greetham – Field Assistant – Birder (RSPB); Fulufhelo Singo – Electrical Engineer (DFFE)
