by Ria Olivier | May 13, 2020 | Current Event, Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, Uncategorised
It is the first time in the history of the National Antarctic Programme of South Africa(SANAP) that there were no family and friends to wave farewell to M77 overwintering team members for the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries offices of Oceans and Coast at East Pier at The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town. The S. A. Agulhas II departed with only crew and a very reduced team and a few takeover personnel. Judy Beaumont farewell speech is available on the digital repository.
The same scenario will happen when M76 return to Cape Town at the end of the week. When M76 departed for Marion in 2019 there were many family, colleagues and friends to say goodbye, but when they return by the end of the week there will not be family and friends to welcome them back after more than a year on Marion Island. COVID-19 pandemic has an influence on SANAP logistics, science and research.
Before the M76 team members left on Marion there were a few goodbyes before taken by Ultimate Heli to the S.A. Agulhas II. Three team members from Marion 76 is staying behind to complete the few personnel that will be staying on Marion Island. Foto above- left: Marius(M76), Khulisa (M77) and gerald(M76) Foto above right: Philane(M77) and Gerald(M76).
Philane, Nkoane, Khuliso of M77
Marion Helipad with S.A. Agulhas II in the back on its way to Cape Town.
Bye end of week we would like to welcome Marion 76 back in Cape Town!
All the best Marion 77!
by Ria Olivier | May 4, 2020 | SA Agulhas II
On the 3rd of May 8 years ago the S.A. Agulhas II arrived at East Pier. See the video on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive of the Documentary on the vessel built in Finland.
The S.A. Agulhas II arrival ceremony and dedication function was held at East Pier Cape Town and the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Edna Molewa, invited members of the media to join the Department of Environmental Affairs in welcoming South Africa’s new Polar Research and Supply ship, the SA Agulhas II, on its arrival in South Africa. Photo opportunities and speeches were held to celebrate.
The handover function took place on the 4 April 2012.
Read more about the S.A. Agulhas II on the Sanap website and follow the link to track the position of the vessel and see its specifications
by Ria Olivier | Apr 22, 2020 | Marion Island, Overwintering Team, SA Agulhas II, SANAP
Message from DDG Judy Beaumont to Marion 77 Overwintering Team: “I want to send a special farewell to the five amazing Marian 77 expedition members who for the first time in the history of the program are experiencing a different, unexpected and never been done before kind of voyage. I’m equally grateful to your family, friends, and loved ones for allowing you to serve the nation even during these trying times in absentia. ….convey my heartfelt gratitude to the Marion 76 those returning and also those that heed the call to remain behind, their sacrifice, generosity and display of the love they have for the program is visible to all”
The S.A. Agulhas II with Captain Knowledge Bengu, his crew and voyage particpants left Cape Town Harbour just after 14h00 on Tuesday 21 April 2020 for Marion Island.
Communication Engineer: Aphiwe Dyum (M76)
Diesel Mechanic: Alain Jacobs (M76)
Medical Orderly: Winnie Moodaley (M76)
Base Engineer: Patrick Hlongwane
Senior Meteorologist: Nkoane Mathabata
Assistant Meteorologist: Khulisa Maphaha
Assistant Meteorologist: Philani Ngcobo
SANSA Engineer: Stephanus Schoeman
Winnie Moodaley – Team Leader
Nkoane Mathabata – Deputy Team Leader
Aphiwe Dyum
Alain Jacobs
Stephanus Schoeman
Patrick Hlongwane
Philani Ngcobo
Khulisa Maphaha
by Ria Olivier | Apr 21, 2020 | Announcement, Fellowship, Jobs, Research, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, Southern Ocean
CAREER OPPORTUNITY – Post Doctoral Fellowships. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.
The CSIR has three opportunities for Post-Doctoral Fellowships in the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observatory programme (SOCCO), within the Smart Places cluster, and hosted at the Marine Institute (Ma-Re), UCT. The purpose of the fellowships is to conduct research in line with three H2020 projects in which SOCCO is a partner. The positions are offered as a two-year contract with the possibility of extension for a third year. These opportunities are based in Rosebank, Cape Town. For more information about the programme and cluster please visit http://www.socco.org.za and http://www.csir.co.za/smart-places respectively.
- Southern Ocean CO2 and heat uptake: the future role of the Southern Ocean ininfluencing the rates of global warming depends critically on the sensitivity of its uptake and storage of heat and anthropogenic CO This sensitivity is thought to be largely dependent on the response in the physics of the mixed layer and sea ice system to climate change. This fellowship aims to use air-sea CO2 reconstructions, high resolution models as well as Earth System Models (ESM) to examine the climate sensitivity of the mechanisms that explain CO2 and heat ocean-atmosphere fluxes in the Southern Ocean.
- Southern Ocean emerging feedbacks in carbon cycle: the sensitivity of coupled ocean- atmosphere physical and ocean biogeochemical mechanisms to climate forcing can lead to regional non-linear responses that lead to changing feedbacks, thresholds of abrupt change and tipping pointes. This fellowship aims to use the South African ESM combination with other CMIP6 models to examine how non-linearities in the carbon cycle can be linked to specific physical and biogeochemical mechanisms, their scales and dynamics in the Southern
- Southern Ocean Biogeochemical model development: the sensitivity of the ocean biological carbon pump to climate forcing is critical to project changing carbon feedbacks in the second half of the 21st century, particularly in the Southern Ocean. For this fellowship the successful candidate will be a biogeochemical modeller, who will be responsible for model development through improved parameterisations of physiological processes for phytoplankton in coupled biogeochemical-physical models. This will be done based on experience in parameterisations for functional responses to multiple Observational data will be collected under varying conditions that will be used to derive and implement new relationships into numerical models.
Key responsibilities:
- Initiate further independent research within the strategic objectives of the current programme;
- Assist with Master’s and Doctoral supervision of students in support of the SOCCO/UCT- Ma-Re human capital development mission;
- Lead, assist and supervise field data collection and model development;
- Contribute to the writing of numerous reviewed journal publications, and be the lead author of at least
Qualifications, skills and experience:
- A Doctoral degree in Ocean CO2 or biogeochemical modelling and/or observations, withexperience in modelling;
- Experience in acquiring and processing large global data sets as well as running and analysing model outputs;
- Proficiency in Python
Closing date: 15 May 2020
PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012 841 4774 or email us at Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za
The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act of 1998. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, consents and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or SAPS (in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances) and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualifications and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012 841 4774 or email us at Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za
The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act of 1998. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, consents and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or SAPS (in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances) and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualifications and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.
by Ria Olivier | Apr 17, 2020 | Antarctica, Legacy, SA Agulhas II, SANAE, SANAP, Science, Take-Over Operations, Women in Science
Jess Verheul grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa and has always had an affinity for the outdoors, wild and remote places, exploring, surviving and adventuring. She believes she might have been inspired and influenced by her grandparents being farmers; “we spent much time playing outside growing up. I loved being on the farm, and my parents took us on some great safari holidays when we were younger too”. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, specialising in Geography and Environmental Management. In her third year (2009), her mom showed her an article in an old girls school newsletter, an article by a fellow former school girl, who had been in Antarctica as the overwintering Medical Doctor. This sparked a conversation which in turn started a personal obsession…Mission Antarctica, by any means necessary. Her sense of adventure and the will to explore, or a search for depth and resilience to struggle and experience the elements for one’s-self sparked this obsession.
Jess completed her Master’s Degree in Environmental Management in 2012 and started working in the corporate consulting world. She relocated to Cape Town in 2014 and got involved as a volunteer firefighter and started experimenting more with creative hobbies like drawing and painting. In 2018 she was offered a volunteer position for the summer takeover to SANAE IV, South Africa’s Antarctic station located on the Vesleskarvet nunatak in Dronning Maud Land. She joined the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) team as a volunteer for the summer takeover expedition. As a member of a team of 10 people for SANSA undertaking upgrades and maintenance at SANAE IV over the summer takeover period from December 2018 to March 2019.
“Lacking a good camera but having a desire to experience this incredible place to the fullest, and knowing that drawing is a fantastic meditation; I treated myself to a blank sketchbook and some fine-liner pens before departing on our journey. I like creative expression. It helps me clear my head and experience a place or a situation more deeply.”
The SANSA Team didn’t have to do any work for the 11-day ship journey South, so she spent her time reading several books and did a bit of sketching. On the 19th of December the S.A. Agulhas II was close to the Fimbul Ice-shelf in Dronning Maud Land. Over the summer Jess spent approximately 100 hours in between work and chores, helping out and socialising; drawing, painting and studying the landscapes. “It was an unforgettable experience, one that still feels like a dream. I am ever grateful for the incredible opportunity. Since having spent all that time observing the place, I will remember it deeply for the rest of my days.”
ANT{INK}TICA : There were initially no plans to publicise her art, but the opportunity was presented by the archivist at Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) to publish it in a coffee table book. This is the first art publication from the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa. The book consists of 49 sketches and 3 poems, depicting scenes experienced by Jess during her Antarctic Expedition. Only 100 publications are available and will be signed by the artist. This publication will be a unique addition to Art Book Collections and Antarctic publications. Visit the website www.justjiggs.com to read more about the publication and place an order or contact riaolivier@sun.ac.za for more details.
Jess’ message to you: “To get out there, challenge yourself. To believe in yourself and your ability. To try new things. Try harder, to judge yourself less and to never give up. To appreciate the experiences and lessons you’ve been endowed with and to help others along their way”. . Jess’ hope is that this book will shine a light for you, to show you that anything is possible. That persistence pays. Magic exists. And every day is a gift. Life is short, don’t waste a second.
Text: Jess Verheul Photo credits: Jess Verheul, Colin de la Harpe, ALSA
by Ria Olivier | Mar 22, 2020 | SA Agulhas II, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean
The Mid-Month series final for March is reflecting on Science projects on Sunday. The Sound and Vibration Research Group (SVRG) in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering is a SANAP research project. The SVRG has established expertise, equipment and laboratory facilities to conduct research and investigations into noise and vibration problems for industry as well as the public sector. Our primary field of research is associated with human response to sound and vibration where, in particular, seating dynamics and sound quality are investigated. Prof Annie Bekker is the Principal Investigator of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP) – Decision aiding for the SA Agulhas II through modelling, monitoring and data capture.
Vibration and acoustic comfort on the polar supply and research vessel – S.A. AGULHAS II
As part of an international research consortium between the Universities of Aalto and Oulo, Aker Arctic, Det Norske Veritas, Rolls Royce, Wartsila and STX Europe the SVRG performed vibration comfort measurements on board the SA Agulhas II, the new polar supply research vessel. The SA Agulhas II was put to the test during two days of ice-breaking operations in the Bay of Bothnia in Finland during ice-trails as well as a 76-day voyage between Cape Town and Antarctica. Sound levels and vibration comfort will be determined in conjunction with exterior ice conditions and ice-loads on the ship hull in an on-going research project which enables a unique comparison between Arctic and Antarctic conditions.
One of SVRG objectives is to establish a centre of expertise in sound and vibration measurement, analysis and assessment with the associated measurement equipment and software tools to contribute to the international research arena. Annie Bekker host an annual Symposium on the S.A. Agulhas II where international and national stakeholders give new insight and feedback on research. During the symposium students of the SVRG also get the time to present their research. To open the minds of these students and to taught them the necessary skills Annie Bekker make use of expertise from all over the world.
SVRG recently hosted Professor Anders Brandt from the University of Southern Denmark.
“ABRAVIBE(s)”… data-driven skills, taught by a master
Prof A Brandt
He is the author of the book “Noise and Vibration Analysis” and the MATLAB Toolbox, “ABRAVIBE” – renowned for its open code which demystifies many aspects of signal processing. Professor Brandt up-skilled students from the SVRG in select topics related to data quality control and signal processing. Three days were spent on a deep dive into theory, balanced by practical application. An essential skill of any vibration engineer is “to know how to hit a structure with a hammer”.
Under the leadership of Prof Annie Bekker, the SVRG will apply their brushed-up techniques to implement several data-driven digital services for the SA Agulhas II, South Africa’s polar supply and research vessel. The collective effort, entitled “DIGSAA” embraces Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance ship management and operation in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. Accordingly, the visit of Prof Brandt has instilled a rigorous signal processing background to equip the group for this momentous task.
Prof Brandt and SVRG ready to work. Front (l-r): Karl Pferdkamper, Jandre Mouton, Ben Steyn. Middle: Jaco Laas, Armand van Zuydam, Martinique Engelbrecht, Prof Bekker, Prof Brandt, Nic Bunn, Nicole Taylor, Jesslyn Bossau. Back: Christof van Zijl and Brendon Nickerson.
Professor Brandt, shares how a modal hammer is used to measure calibrated acceleration responses on this beam structure. Jaco Laas, M.Eng (left) and Brendon Nickerson, PhD (right).
Ben Steyn (M.Eng) is perfecting hammer skills on an experimental set up.
Celebrating a successful week of signal processing and modal analysis.
On the 3rd of May 8 years ago the S.A. Agulhas II arrived at East Pier. 
Read more about the S.A. Agulhas II on the 
CAREER OPPORTUNITY – Post Doctoral Fellowships. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation’s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.
The CSIR has three opportunities for Post-Doctoral Fellowships in the Southern Ocean Carbon and Climate Observatory programme (SOCCO), within the Smart Places cluster, and hosted at the Marine Institute (Ma-Re), UCT. The purpose of the fellowships is to conduct research in line with three H2020 projects in which SOCCO is a partner. The positions are offered as a two-year contract with the possibility of extension for a third year. These opportunities are based in Rosebank, Cape Town. For more information about the programme and cluster please visit 
Jess completed her Master’s Degree in Environmental Management in 2012 and started working in the corporate consulting world. She relocated to Cape Town in 2014 and got involved as a volunteer firefighter and started experimenting more with creative hobbies like drawing and painting. In 2018 she was offered a volunteer position for the summer takeover to 
“Lacking a good camera but having a desire to experience this incredible place to the fullest, and knowing that drawing is a fantastic meditation; I treated myself to a blank sketchbook and some fine-liner pens before departing on our journey. I like creative expression. It helps me clear my head and experience a place or a situation more deeply.”
ANT{INK}TICA : There were initially no plans to publicise her art, but the opportunity was presented by the archivist at Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) to publish it in a coffee table book. This is the first art publication from the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa. The book consists of 49 sketches and 3 poems, depicting scenes experienced by Jess during her Antarctic Expedition. Only 100 publications are available and will be signed by the artist. This publication will be a unique addition to Art Book Collections and Antarctic publications. 
Jess’ message to you: “To get out there, challenge yourself. To believe in yourself and your ability. To try new things. Try harder, to judge yourself less and to never give up. To appreciate the experiences and lessons you’ve been endowed with and to help others along their way”. . Jess’ hope is that this book will shine a light for you, to show you that anything is possible. That persistence pays. Magic exists. And every day is a gift. Life is short, don’t waste a second.
is a 
aspects of signal processing. Professor Brandt up-skilled students from the SVRG in select topics related to data quality control and signal processing. Three days were spent on a deep dive into theory, balanced by practical application. An essential skill of any vibration engineer is “to know how to hit a structure with a hammer”.
