Another chapter in South Africa’s sub-Antarctic presence begins with the Marion 83 Overwintering Team, who will live and work together on Marion Island during 2026 and 2027. The team brings together a diverse range of skills and responsibilities, supporting the continued operation of the research station as well as important environmental monitoring and scientific research on the island. Their work ranges from meteorology, engineering and communications to medical support, conservation and long-term monitoring of Marion Island’s seabirds and seals.

Image caption: Marion 83 Overwintering Team. The team will spend till next year on Marion Island supporting South Africa’s scientific research, environmental monitoring and station operations in the sub-Antarctic. We wish the Marion 83 team a safe, productive and memorable time on Marion Island and look forward to sharing their work and experiences during their overwintering period.

Team members: Londani Rambau – DFFE Senior Environmental CO ; Asive Tyawana – SAPRI Sealer; Sibusisile Kheswa – DFFE Birder and Deputy Team Leader; Yinhla Shihlomule – SAPRI Sealer; Mihle Tshangana – SAWS Assistant Meteorological Technician; Marc Limbert – SAPRI Sealer; Asiphe Tsokotsiyana – SAWS Assistant Meteorological Technician; Mlungisi Mkhwanazi – SAWS Senior Meteorological Technician; Rhiannon Gill – SAPRI Birder; Shani Fourie – SAPRI Birder; Willy Rahophala – DFFE Base Engineer; John Skelete – DFFE Diesel Mechanic; Lola Singo – MFM Mouser; Mbalentle Twetwa – DFFE Communications Engineer; Sandile Nkebe – DFFE Medical Orderly and Team Leader; Mpumelelo Mabutyana = DFFE Field Assistant – Birder; Kamva Nose – DFFE Assistant Environmental CO; Santjie du Toit – MFM Mouser; Tara Naeser  – SAPRI Field Assistant – Killer Whaler and Jonathan Campbell – SANSA Electronics Engineer(right not in team picture)

Welcome, Marion 83 – we wish you a successful time on Marion Island!

Blogpost will soon be on Antarctic Legacy of South Africa website featuring departure from CAPE Town harbour.