Message form the editor, Elsa van Ginkel:

” February and March were tinted with a mixture of anticipation for the ship to arrive and that sad inevitable feeling that this might be the last time we set foot on this breath-taking island – a little sub-Antarctic gem we called home for the past 14 months. It was such an honour and a privilege to be able to contribute to such a large conservation initiative. We had to face many unforeseen challenges heads on, both as a team and as individuals. We made it through gale force winds and the unfortunate ice pellets of life that came our way during this year but we certainly found moments of utmost joy and these are the memories we will cherish for life. Our expedition has now come to an end and I wish all the M79 team members a safe journey back home and the best of luck for their future endeavours…”

 

In this final edition: a word from the team leader, Tshimangadzo Jufter Munyai. 

An interview with the birders.

 

A day in the life of a medical orderly, Mndeni Aaron Hlatshwayo. 

Beautiful memorable shots, and much more…

Click here: Last M79 newsletter

Click here for the complete M79 newsletter collection on the ALSA Archive

Goodbye Marion 79 – we wish you well in your future endeavors. May the experience you had on Marion Island forever have a positive impact on your life. 

Team Photo in the middle: 

Top row (left to right): Banele Dosi (MIMMP Sealer), Samuel Peta (O & C Birder – DFFE), Sanele Action Mkhize (Diesel Mechanic), Siphesihle Faltein (Assistant Meteorological Technician – SAWS), Lucy Smyth (MAPRU/NMU Birder), Michael Ross (MIMMP Sealer).

Middle row (left to right): Monica Leitner (MIMMP Killer whaler/Sealer), Mndeni ‘Amani’ Hlatshwayo (Medical Orderly), Thendo Sikhwari (Senior Meteorological Technician – SAWS), Andile Ace Mdluli (O & C Birder – DFFE), Gladys Kemei (Communications Engineer and Deputy Team Leader), Tankiso H. Moso (SANSA Electronics Engineer and Science Team Leader), Ntlangemhlophe Sanele Sukude Nombekela (Chef), Mishumo Masithembi (Environmental Control Officer).

Bottom row (left to right): Gcobani Tshangana (Assistant Environmental Control Officer), Austin Acro Gumba (UKZN Astrophysicist), Tanganedzani Tshitavhe (Assistant Meteorological Technician – SAWS), Tshimangadzo Jufter Munyai (Base Engineer and Team Leader), Elsa van Ginkel (MFM Ecologist).

Insert (left): Abuyiselwe Nguna (Geomorphologist); Insert (right): Vhuawelo Simba (MFM Ecologist).

 

Ria Olivier, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa & Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 18 July 2023.