In this edition:
Gough65 celebrating team member, Bubele Nongwejana’s birthday. Photo: Thendo Sikhwari
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 24 October 2019
This month is the kickoff for the Marion Island newsletters – we will start with the May 2019 newsletter.
In this edition (May 2019)
In this edition (September 2019)
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 10 October 2019
| Job Title | Station | Period | Closing Date | Download Job Advert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Engineer | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Electrical Engineer/Technician | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Diesel Mechanic | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Medical Orderly | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Field Assistant: Seabird Research x2 | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Environmental Control Officer | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Assistant Environmental Control Officer | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Senior Meteorological Technician | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Assistant Meteorological Technician x2 | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 14 October 2019 | Click here |
| Field Assistant: Plant Ecology | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 25 October 2019 | Click here |
| Field Assistant: 2 x"Sealers" and 1x "Whaler" | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 21 October 2019 | Click here |
| Field Assistant: Plant Ecology (wind effects) | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 25 October 2019 | Click here |
| Field Assistant: Seabird Research x2 (MAPRU) | Marion Island | April 2020 - May 2021 | 31 October 2019 | Click here |
In this edition:
SANAE 58, RADAE Engineer – Travis Duck.
Click here to download/view the SANAE IV Newsletter, August 2019 Edition.
Click here to view all the SANAE newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
September 2019 at SANAE IV – AntarcticaPhoto Credit: Jacques RobbertzeView Jacques Robbertze on the ALSA Archive. |
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 12 September 2019
The S.A. Agulhas II departed from the Port of Cape Town at around 10pm, 02 September 2019 and will return on 07 October 2019. Click here to view the voyage schedule.
| Team Member | Position |
|---|---|
| Mr Errol Julies | Communication/Electronics Engineer and Team Leader |
| Mr Thendo Sikhwari | Senior Meteorological Technician and Deputy Team Leader |
| Ms Michelle Risi-Jones | Field Assistant and Deputy Team Leader- Scientific |
| Mr Dylan Seaton | Meteorological Technician |
| Ms Siyasanga Mphehle | Meteorological Technician |
| Mr Thabiso Maphumulo | Electrician |
| Mr Bubele Nongwejana | Medical Orderly |
| Mr Gilbert Kgang | Diesel Mechanic |
| Mr Christopher Jones | Field Assistant |
| Mr Alexis Osborne | Field Assistant |
L-R: Bubele Nongwejana, Thabiso Maphumulo, Gilbert Kgang, Errol Julies, Thendo Sikhwari, Siyasanga Mphehle and Dylan Seaton.
Field assistants: Michelle Risi-Jones, Alexis Osborne and Christopher Jones. Photo Credit: Michelle Risi-Jones.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 04 September 2019
In this edition:
Read more about the:
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
August is a very special month for women in South Africa and this said we would like to salute women within the South African National Antarctic Programme.
SANAP is filled with strong women in Antarctic, sub-Antarctic and Southern Ocean research. The programme also consist of a number of brave women overwintering at the South African research stations (Marion Island, Gough Island and Antarctica).
There are 29 National Research Foundation/Department of Science and Technology funded projects within SANAP and 13 of these are managed by women. This is evident that women definitely have a place within Antarctic research.
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) sends four volunteers to Antarctica every year. These volunteers assist with hard work (physically and mentally). The last take-over to Antarctica, three of the four South African National Space Agency (SANSA) volunteers were women.
During my trip to Antarctica earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet a number of very inspiring women – in the video below, meet the three SANSA volunteers of the 2018/2019 Antarctic take-over and the new VLF (Very Low Frequency) SANSA Engineer, who is currently overwintering at the South African National Antarctic Expedition station (SANAE IV).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 13 August 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 08 August 2019.
In this edition:
Click here to download/view the SANAE IV Newsletter, June 2019 Edition
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/posts/914615882210688:0
Click here to view all the SANAE newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 30 July 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 27 July 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 23 July 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 22 July 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 19 July 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 06 July 2019.
Apply now to be part of the 59th South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) overwintering team!
Positions available:
| Job Title | Station | Period | Closing Date | Download Job Advert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SANSA Volunteer Positions (x3) VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 - February 2020 | 25 September 2019 | More info, click here! |
| Senior Meteorological Technician VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| Communications/Electronics Engineer VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| Mechanical Engineer | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| Electrical Engineer/Technician VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| Diesel Mechanic VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| Medical Doctor VIDEO | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | More info, click here! |
| RADAR Engineer - South African National Space Agency | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed | |
| VLF Engineer - South African National Space Agency | Antarctica - SANAE IV | December 2019 to January 2021 | Closed |
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 27 June 2019.
Mid-Winter is celebrated right across Antarctica by all the nations & stations. It is the 0ldest tradition in Antarctica and refers to the Winter Solstice (or hibernal solstice). It occurs when one of the Earth’s poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. It happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere (Northern and Southern). For that hemisphere, the winter solstice is the day with the shortest period of daylight and longest night of the year, when the Sun is at its lowest daily maximum elevation in the sky.
At the pole, there is continuous darkness or twilight around the winter solstice. Its opposite is the summer solstice.
The winter solstice occurs during the hemisphere’s winter. In the Southern Hemisphere, this is the June solstice (usually 20 or 21 June). Although the winter solstice itself lasts only a moment, the term sometimes refers to the day on which it occurs. Other names are “midwinter”, the “extreme of winter” (Dongzhi), or the “shortest day”.
So, for Antarctic Expeditioners / Overwinterers the worst is over with regards to dark (lack of light and sunlight).
Happy Mid- Winter to all – share this email far and wide.
From all of us
Jasmine Arnold
Office Administrator to The Ship’s Operations Manager | Directorate: Southern Oceans & Antarctic Support | Office address: East Pier, Waterfront | Direct no: 021 405 9485 | Switchboard: 021 405 9400
Mid-winter Event Pretoria, South Africa – organised by Carol Jacobs :
Salomé is the 58th SANAE Overwintering team’s Medical Doctor.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 14 June 2019.
In this Edition:
Deputy Team Leader of SANAE 58, Mpati Boleme.
– Get to know the SANAE58 deputy team leader, Mpati Boleme.
– Learn more about the scientific work currently ongoing at SANAE IV
– See what was the weather like during the month of May 2019.
– Team gatherings
– Learn some facts about Antarctica
Click here to download/view the SANAE IV Newsletter, May 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, 13 June 2019
Call for all electricians, that consist of the minimum requirements for this position, to apply as soon as possible.
Please click on the link below for more information regarding this position:
Electrician – Gough (OC03.2019)
DEADLINE: 24 June 2019
Please Contact Mr Willem Boshoff for more information – Telephone (021) 405 9418
Read more about Gough Island here.
Also view the inside of the base, where you will stay for 13 months.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 12 June 2019
The December 2019 – February 2021 positions for Antarctica will soon be advertised here. If you are interested in overwintering at the South African National Antarctic Expedition Station, SANAE IV, make sure you know all about the different positions available.
Note that this position at SANAE IV is not permanent and is based on a 15 month contract.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
DUTIES
Watch this video and meet Meteorological Technicians previously (of the 57th SANAE Overwintering Team, Season: December 2017 – March 2019) and currently (of the 58th SANAE Overwintering Team (Season: December 2018 – February 2020) at SANAE IV.
Contact Mardené de Villiers or Tammy Morris (SAWS) for more information regarding this position – Tel: (021) 935 5700
Over the next few weeks we will share more information about the different positions and you can also watch videos of previous overwintering personnel at SANAE.
Subscribe to the ALSA YouTube Channel to make sure you do not miss any new videos on our channel.
Senior Meteorological Technician for SANAE IV minimum requirements and duties are taken from official job advert for this position (Department of Environmental Affairs and South African Weather Service).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 10 June 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Michelle Thompson (Field Assistant – Birder M75) a Happy Birthday today.
This will be the last team member of M75 we wish happy birthday to, as this team returned back to Cape Town a few days ago! All the best for your future guys! 
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 19 May 2019
In this Edition:
– Get to know the SANAE58 team leader, Jacques Robbertze
– Have you ever heard of the ‘smelly’ and wondered how this ice melting system works?
Click here to download The Edurance (SANAE IV Newsletter), March 2019 Edition.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 17 May 2019
The S.A. Agulhas II arrived in Cape Town yesterday, 15 May 2019, after being away for 34 days.
The vessel returned with the 75th Marion Island overwintering team, all take-over scientists (land-and ship based) and take-over personnel.
Marion75 departed last year on 06 April 2018 and they are now reunited with family and friends after approximately 13 months.
Click here to see who was on this team and more about the different scientific groups (land-and ship based).
Note that there are more institutions involved in take-over science on the island, not mentioned in this video such as the Biocomplexity Project (University of Johannesburg) and Observing Dawn in the Cosmos (University of KwaZulu Natal). These projects does not have personnel overwintering on the island.
L-R (front): Dakalo Gangashe (Base Engineer), Maliviwe Mnengisa (Medic/Team leader), Zinhle Shongwe (Assistant meteorologist), Stephan Keys (Birder), Dani Keys (Birder), Dineo Mogashoa (Winder/Botanist); (middle) Oyena Masiko (Birder), Vhulahani Manukha (Space Engineer), Mavis Lekhesa (Radio Technician), Michael Taunyane (Diesel Mechanic / Deputy Team Leader). Sechaba Nyaku (Senior Meteorologist). Michelle Thompson (Birder). Monica Leitner (Assistant ECO), Liezl Pretorius (Sealer/Deputy Science Team Leader), Elsa van Ginkel (Winder/Botanist), Bongekile Kuhlase (Botanist); (back) Abuyiselwe Nguna (Geomorphologist/Science Team Leader), Jabulani Thabede (Chef), James Burns (Assistant meteorologist), Charlotte Heijnis (Senior ECO), Sean Morar (Birder). Welly Qwabe (Sealer), Michael Voysey (Killer whaler/sealer), Marike Louw (Botanist).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 16 May 2019.
All onboard the vessel has gone thorough customs.
The tugboat has just arrived alongside the vessel, to assist her in shifting into East Pier where passengers will disembark.
Have you ever considered working at the South African National Antarctic Expedition Station (SANAE IV)? Are you a South African citizen? Are you a Diesel Mechanic and want to know what is expected of you when you work on Antarctica?
First of all note that any position at SANAE IV is not permanent and is approximately 15 months contract. Some positions might be longer due to the training involved before departure to Antarctica.
Here are the main duties of a Diesel Mechanic on Antarctica:
• Maintenance of power generator and vehicle diesel engines and related equipment;
• Maintenance and repairs of Air-conditioning system, refrigeration, water reticulation and waste water systems;
• Replacement and repair of mechanical pumps and valves as well as pipe fitting;
• Maintenance and minor repairs of Caterpillar machines, snowmobiles, telescopic cranes, portable generators and transfer pumps. Operate Caterpillar machines and cargo handling equipment;
• Maintenance of cabooses (field caravan) and field equipment.
• Report to the mechanical engineer and will perform additional base related mechanical and civil functions requested by the mechanical engineer and also be part of a technical team, led by a technical team manager, that has to perform any additional base related technical functions;
• Preparation of monthly and annual reports and other common “non-technical” duties performed by expedition members
If you have what is takes, keep an eye on the SANAP website for the next season (December 2019 – February 2021) job openings (click here).
Contact Mr Willem Boshoff for more information regarding this position – Telephone (021) 405 9418.
Subscribe to the ALSA YouTube Channel to make sure you do not miss any new videos on our channel.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 14 May 2019
Expected Time of Arrival: 15 May 2019 (morning)
Place: East Pier, Cape Town Harbour
Photo Credit: Ben van der Walt, 2018 Marion Island take-over voyage.
Time on the island is rapidly running out for all passengers returning to Cape Town, this includes everyone except the 76th Marion Island Overwintering Team. The take-over scientists are wrapping up field work and packing containers for back-loading started at this research station.
The first containers were transported to the research and supply vessel, S.A. Agulhas II. Watch the video below to see how a container is transported by helicopter.
These last few days are bitter sweet on the island. The 75th overwintering team returning to Cape Town have to say goodbye to the place they called home for 13 months. A place that was at first maybe something to get used to, and now a very special memory that will last a lifetime. For many this might be the last time they get to visit this pristine island in the Southern Ocean, but for the 76th overwintering team the departure of the vessel is something to look forward to, as they will be able to unpack their personals in their own rooms and settling in, preparing for the year ahead.
The vessel is expected to depart from Marion Island on the 9th of May and the expected time of arrival at East Pier, Cape Town Harbour, is 16 May 2019. The longer return voyage will be used toward oceanographic research on transects between the Prince Edward Islands and Cape Town.
Bon Voyage, see you soon!
https://www.facebook.com/UltimateAviationsa/videos/408739073050873/
Photo Credit: Daniela Monsanto (PhD Candidate, University of Johannesburg)
Video Credit: Ultimate Aviation Group
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 07 May 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Bongekile Kuhlase (Botanical Field Assistant of M75) a Happy Birthday today.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 04 May 2019
Greetings from the M75 team to all our friends and families!
Where have the days gone?! March, our last full month alone on Marion, has flown by! For many of the field assistants, the work has slowed down substantially as the final tasks are being ticked off. For others, there is still quite a lot that needs to be squeezed into these final days. And, on the other hand, there are some (including the sealers) whose work has continued uninterrupted as is the case with base personnel who need to keep the ball rolling until we’ve boarded the ship home.
In between our duties however, the big clean-up has begun. All the huts have been tackled by the field assistants and back at base everyone is pitching in to make sure that everything is ready for take-over. Apart from the general base skivvy, we have all been busy packing up our own rooms too; as the total population of Marion explodes from 24 to over a hundred (with all the scientists and maintenance crew), we will soon be bunking with each other and the new M76 team while they find their feet.
Outside, island life goes on, oblivious to our bustling preparations. The wandering albatross which dot the landscape continue with their inredible life cycle and the fur-seal pups are venturing further and further from comfort as they grow at a rate. The winter leaves sap in the fading sunlight and the mountains are beginning to try on their winter coats.
We are sad to announce that this edition of The Wanderer (March 2019) will in all likelihood be our last. The next few weeks are undoubtedly going to be very chaotic and there will be little time to spare before we board the S.A. Agulhas II to go home. It has been a massive privilege to bring you these insights to our fantastic adventure in this paradise! We hope that you’ve enjoyed them as we have and that these newsletters can become part of M75’s legacy and serve to inspire future expeditions and explorers!
Authors: Elsa van Ginkel (Editor) and James Burns (Co-Editor), 75th Marion Island Overwintering Team, 16 April 2019 (received 13 April 2019)
Click here to view all the Marion Island newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Meet the Marion Island Overwintering team here.
See below some photos of the departure, more detail regarding the take-over to follow.
Meet the M76 Team Leader
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/vl.672218773213196/266214177591900/?type=1
Meet the M76 Deputy Team Leader
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/2336099149952432/
Meet the M76 Science Team Leader
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/342967963233207/
All photos and videos taken by Ria Olivier, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 12 April 2019
In this Edition:
– Meet the team
– They have a Motto!!
– See who sponsored the team with some extra (nice to have items) for their expedition.
Click here to download The Edurance (SANAE IV Newsletter), March 2019 Edition.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 05 April 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Melford Mnengisa (Medical Orderly of M75) a Happy Birthday today.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 05 April 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Sechaba Nyaku (Senior Meteorological Technician of M75) a Happy Birthday today.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 29 March 2019
The 76th Marion Island Overwintering team training started during the second week of March and will end Friday, 29 March.
The team training is intended to give the team a good background of the South African National Antarctic Programme and the history of South Africa’s involvement in the Southern Ocean. The team will also get an idea of what to expect of their year on Marion Island, learn what they can and can’t do and get a better idea of what to pack. During training the team can mingle with each other and learn how to work together during First Aid and Fire Fighting training, during the packing of containers and the cooking class. Each member’s dental health will also be assessed and attended to, as there is no way of returning home for an aching tooth. Each member on the team will also be kitted out with the necessary protective clothing for living and working in the sub-Antarctic.
The current expected time of departure for the vessel, S.A. Agulhas II is 11 April 2019. Click here to view the S.A Agulhas II Voyage Schedule.
Featured Image: M76 team during the first day of training, with Ria Olivier, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (back, 4th from left) and Adriaan Dreyer (far right), Assistant Director – Logistics and Support of Expeditions (Southern Ocean and Island Support Division, Department of Environmental Affairs).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 20 March 2019
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish Jabulani Thabede (Cook of M75) a Happy Birthday today.
This is the first overwintering team with a full-time cook on the team.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 18 March 2019
Welcome to Cape Town SANAE57 team, take-over personnel, Weddell Sea Expedition crew, Department of Public Works personnel and Nolitha Construction (responsible for the refurbishments of the SANAE IV base), the Ultimate Helicopter Crew and the S.A. Agulhas II’s Captain and Crew.
The 57th South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) team has returned to Cape Town, after 15 months away from home (see photo below). This team had to stay a bit longer at SANAE IV than usual, due to the longer take-over in order to accommodate the Weddell Sea Expedition, that was incorporated in the 2018/2019 Antarctica Cruise.
L-R (Back): Stephanus Schoeman (RADAR Engineer), John Skelete (Diesel Mechanic), Bo Orton (Electrician), Will Jelbert (Doctor), Forster Mashele (VLF Engineer), Sabelo Biyela (Diesel Mechanic); (front) Hloni Rakoteli (Communications Engineer), Lux Tanyana (Base Engineer), Elias Seabi (Meteorological Technician) and Cobus van der Merwe (Neutron Engineer).
This Weddell Sea Expedition was funded by the The Flotilla Foundation and the S.A. Agulhas II chartered a team of scientists into the Weddell Sea, for extensive scientific exploration on and around the LarsenC ice shelf and the A68 Iceberg. Click here to meet the South Africans that was part of this expedition.
The Weddell Sea Expedition also involved the search for Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance (click here for more information), but due to unfavourable weather conditions and the loss of the AUV (automated underwater vehicle) the search was ended where after the ship headed back to Penguin Bukta where overwintering members (S57) and take-over personnel of SANAE IV boarded the ship.
The welcoming ceremony was led by Mathibela Selepe (Department of Environmental Affairs, Chief Engineer: Telecommunications and Instrumentation) and welcoming speech delivered by Mbulelo Dopolo (Department of Environmental Affairs, Branch: Oceans and Coasts, Director: Earth Systems Strategies).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 March 2019
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/vl.317523262441303/800923453598499/?type=1
The S.A. Agulhas II is currently on her way home, after being in the Antarctica waters for 3 months. Onboard is the returning 57th SANAE (South African National Antarctic Expedition) overwintering team, 2018/2019 SANAE take-over personnel, Weddell Sea Expedition members and ship based scientists of different South African universities.
Expected time of arrival (ETA): 15 March 2019, around 08:30
The vessel will then proceed to Landing Wall 1 for inward clearance and shifting in to east pier around 08:30.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 14 March 2019
Meet the Communications Engineer of the 57th South African National Antarctic Expedition Team – Hloni Rakoteli. This is not the first time Hloni heads home on the S.A Agulhas II from an overwintering expedition, his first expedition was on Gough Island as part of the 61st Gough Island Overwintering Team (Gough61 team photo). Get to know Hloni a bit better, before watching the video, by downloading the June Edition of the SANAE57 team newsletter.
Excerpt of SANAE57’s first team newsletter – December 2017 (Click here to view this newsletter)
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/818243898526390/
This team is heading home on the S.A. Agulhas II, currently sailing through the roaring 40’s (now at 43°South). Track the S.A. Agulhas II by clicking on the icon below.
Track the S.A. Agulhas II
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 12 March 2019
The SANAE57 (57th SANAE Overwintering) Team is currently onboard the S.A. Agulhas II, heading home after 14months on Antarctica. ALSA was privileged to catch up with the team during take-over (in January) at SANAE IV, the fourth South African National Antarctic Expedition Station.
Back (L-R): Elias Seabi, Lux Tanyana, Sabelo Biyela, Cobus van der Merwe, Hloni Rakoteli; (front) Stephanus Schoeman, Foster Mashele, Will Jelbert, John Skelete, Bo Orton. This photo is also now part of South Africa’s Antarctic Legacy – on the ALSA archive (click here).
Each member of SANAE57 was introduced in the team’s first newsletter. Read below Will Jelbert’s (team leader and doctor of the team) introduction at the start of the expedition and hear what he had to say after the expedition (in take-over). If you want to read more about this expedition member make sure you read the September Edition of this team’s newsletter.
Excerpt of SANAE57’s first team newsletter – December 2017 (Click here to view this newsletter)
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/vl.317523262441303/316209675763530/?type=1
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 05 March 2019
Greetings to the friends, families and followers of the M75 team!
Greetings from our sub-antarctic paradise!
The first month of this new year has come and gone much too quickly. The decorations stayed up long after the festive season ended and the M75 team took as long as possible to wind down after all the fun. We had some pretty memorable parties and amazing feasts!
January was a proper summer month on Marion. We had a record number of pleasantly warm and windstill days which have been great for working in the field. The field assistants have been out and about, making the most of the sunny and not-so-windy days. The island is alive with courting albatross, hundreds of penguin chicks, young birds starting to take off, brand new fur seal pups, etc. Back at base, we have been kept entertained with movie nights, some birthdays and many braai’s.
We hope you enjoy The Wanderer (January 2019) and that all the stories and photos give you a better idea of the fantastic things we’ve been experiencing!
Kind regards,
the Wanderer Editing team
Click here to view all the Marion Island newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Authors: Elsa van Ginkel (Editor) and James Burns (Co-Editor), 75th Marion Island Overwintering Team, 27 February 2019 (received 21 February 2019)
This competition, initiative of SAASTA (the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement), is a great way of encouraging young scientists in developing skills to communicate science to the broader public. Doing this in your mother tongue can be a difficult task as not all scientific words can be translated and this skill was also tested in this competition, as 2019 is the International Year of Indigenous Languages.
Marike Louw (MSc, CIB DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University) is currently one of the botanical field assistants on the 75th Marion Island Overwintering team.
One of the SANAP overwintering personnel on Marion Island, Marike Louw, sees the need to communicate science and the setup of the scientific environment on Marion Island. Marike is one of the four female botanical field assistants on the island and her job (since April 2018 until May 2019) is to estimate percentage vegetation in 3x3m plots, which is scattered all over the island. This data is gathered for a SANAP project, i.e “Invasions in the changing sub-Antarctic“, run by Dr Michelle Greve of the University of Pretoria. This job entails a lot of hiking and hard work in challenging weather conditions, which she is totally up for. Read more about Marike and the other three botanists in the November issue The Wanderer, the Marion Island Newsletter (Click here).
The competition was divided into five categories; article, open, indigenous language, video and audio. Marike entered for three categories i.e. article, video and audio. She was awarded with 2nd place in two of the three categories (video and audio). Check out the video and you will truly be inspired by the enthusiasm and love for science that the Marion Island field assistants have. Marike is also very proud to be among a team of 24 overwinterers on Marion Island, where all 11 official South African languages are spoken (listen to the audio).
Video Category (English):
Title: Denizens of Marion Island | Theme: Science transforming Society
Intended platform: Online education platform
Audio Category:
Title: Rainbow Nation on a Sub-Antarctic Island | Theme: Science transforming Society
Intended platform: Education South African podcast or a radio platform
for a broad science-interested audience
Read more about this competition here.
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 26 February 2019
The next Gough Island Overwintering Expedition will depart from Cape Town in September 2019. This will be the 65th Gough Island overwintering team who will return to Cape Town in October 2020.
Positions currently advertised:
If you are interested in applying to overwinter, please click here.
Please note that applications close between 04 and 14 March 2019.
Please download the PDF advert of the position you are interested in and follow the application instructions as set out in the advert.
Read more:
Recent article (Afrikaans) about the Gough63 team (Click here).
Click here and here for more information on Gough Island (English).
Photo Credit: Tom Mc Sherry
Greetings to the friends, families and followers of the M75 team!
The last month of 2018 was a memorable one! Starting the festivities early in the month with decorations, the excitement built up steadily to Christmas day and we had an amazing time! Movie marathons, fun teamwork in the kitchen, potjies, presents, a secret santa and more made for a jolly season indeed. Unfortunately no snow on Christmas but we enjoyed some great sunny and calm days instead, summer finally arrived!
The team hasn’t stopped working and, between all the celebrations, fieldworkers have been out and about with lots to be done as the breeding season continues. Everything is still running smoothly at base although there is a definite mindset shift in the team as takeover approaches.
We apologise for the delayed distribution but we hope you all enjoy our latest edition of the Wanderer (December 2018)! We wish everyone the best for the upcoming year and thank you once again for supporting us from afar!
Kind regards,
the Wanderer Editing team
Click here to view all the Marion Island newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.
Author: James Burns, 75th Marion Island Overwintering Team (Meteorological Observer), 05 February 2019 (received 12 January 2019)
Jacques Robbertze is one of the team’s two Diesel Mechanics. I believe that this job on Antarctica will truly be unlike any other job you’ve ever had. Good luck with the year ahead.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a happy second birthday within SANAP.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 29 January 2019.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in the South African National Antarctic Programme, we would like to wish you a Happy Birthday Marvin.
Marvin is the team’s Senior Meteorological Technician, sending daily weather data to the South African Weather Service.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 January 2019.
The S.A. Agulhas II has departed from the East Pier of Cape Town harbour on 6 December 2018. The ship then docked at customs, where passports of all passengers onboard were stamped. The ship officially left Cape Town 7 December 2018 en route Antarctica.
Track the S.A. Agulhas II here.
| SANAE | 06/12/2018 | 19/12/2018 | Annual relief voyage Cape Town to Antarctica (Penguin Bukta) | ||
| 20/12/2018 | 31/12/2018 | Offloading, fuel pumping | |||
| 01/01/2019 | 14/02/2019 | Weddell Sea Expedition | |||
| 15/02/2019 | 23/02/2019 | Back-loading, fuel pumping | |||
| 24/02/2019 | 11/03/2019 | Return to Cape Town (via SS Island if required) |
Onboard the vessel is the 58th SANAE Overwintering team that will stay in and maintain South Africa’s Antarctic research station (SANAE IV), while gathering weather and space weather data for a period of 14 months.
The Weddell Sea Expedition will also form part of this voyage – click here for more information.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 13 December 2018
Mpati is currently employed within the South African National Antarctic Programme and today she can celebrate her birthday with friends and family at home. Her next birthday will be on the Antarctic Continent, as she is part of the 58th SANAE Overwintering team departing on 06 December 2018 and returning mid-February 2020.
On behalf of ALSA and all involved in SANAP – Happy Birthday Mpati.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, Stellenbosch University, 01 December 2018.
The 58th South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) team is almost done with 3 weeks of training. As from tomorrow this team will be prepared for their 14 month expedition to South Africa’s Antarctic base, SANAE IV.
They will depart today in a week’s time, 06 December 2018, and return around middle February 2020.
Watch this video to learn more about Antarctica, South Africa’s involvement in the Antarctic Continent and South Africa’s research vessel (S.A. Agulhas II) built by STX Finland.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 29 November 2018.
The Gough64 team members decided to take turns in writing blog posts, to update family and friends back home.
The first post was written by Cathy Mbazwana, Medic of Gough64.
This blog entry is about team member, Christopher Jones’s birthday party (Click here to read the blog). She also added the sea temperature and climate data for September and October 2018 to this blog post. It is great to hear that your team takes pride in planning and attending each other’s birthday parties. Your team dynamics definitely show positive signs for the year ahead.
Thanks for this great initiative Gough64.
We do still hope that the team decides to compile a newsletter in the coming months, but we are excited about this blog initiative and the stories your team will deliver.
Author: Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 20 November 2018
Greetings to all from our little island down south
We have had a great month here on Marion! October has been very productive for the field assistants and the huts have been experiencing a steady stream of visitors and some have been housing long term residents where there is lots to do nearby. Back at base all is running smoothly and we are all kept warm and well fed!
We hope you enjoy this edition of the Wanderer (October 2018) and that it gives you all a taste of our fantastic experience here!
Please click here to view all M75’s newsletters written so far.
Author: James Burns, 75th Marion Island Overwintering Team (Meteorological Observer), 19 November 2018
The 58th South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) team training has kicked off yesterday, 12 November, onboard the S.A. Agulhas II.
The first day of team training included a number of informational sessions. In between these sessions Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) also had the opportunity to share the history of South Africa’s involvement in the Antarctic region with the new SANAE overwintering team (S58). This puts emphasis on the team’s responsibilities as South African Antarctic Ambassadors for the coming year. The team was also briefed about the importance of their photos, videos, narratives etc. which needs to be archived by the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa for future generations.
Anche Louw (ALSA) talking about the team’s responsibility towards the ALSA archive and the SANAP website.
Ria Olivier (ALSA) introducing the team to South Africa’s Antarctic Legacy.
Floid Chauke, DEA Deputy Director (Health and Safety), addressing the new SANAE team. Topics: SANAP Adventure Policy, fire emergency plan, search and rescue type of operations and cold weather training.
Further team training will include:
Team training will be until the 30th of November, which will give the team a few days with family and friend before they depart to Antarctica on 6 December.
Click here to view the S.A Agulhas II Voyage Schedule.
Featured Image: L-R (Back): Anche Louw (ALSA), Mpati Boleme (SANSA VLF Engineer), Jufter Munyai (DEA Electrical Engineer), Marvin Rankuda (Senior Meteorological Technician), Bongisipho Kuali (DEA Mechanical Engineer), Ria Olivier (ALSA), Sanele Mkhize (DEA Diesel Mechanic); (Front) Travis Duck (SANSA Radar Engineer), Ewald Ferreira (Communications Engineer), Jacques Robbertze (DEA Diesel Mechanic).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 13 November 2018
63rd Gough Island Overwintering team ready to leave the island. Photo received from: Michelle Risi
The S.A. Agulhas II has departed from Gough Island, yesterday afternoon.
The 64th Gough Island overwintering team will now do the honours of taking care of the South African weather station and the collection of various field and meteorological data.
We would like to wish the team a successful year on the island. May you prosper and achieve all the goals set for you during this take-over.
The S.A. Agulhas II is currently on her way to Tristan da Cunha, where a 48 hour stop-over will made to back-load cargo and passengers. The expected time of departure (ETD) at Tristan da Cunha is 06 October 2018 and the expected time of arrival (ETA) in Cape Town is 11 October 2018.
The 64th Gough Island Overwintering team excited to take over the responsibilities of managing and maintaining the Gough Base for the next 13 months. Photo credit: Michelle Risi
Author: Anche Louw (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa), 02 October 2018
All available team newsletters now linked on the SANAP Website!
The 57th SANAE Overwintering team has already produced eight newsletters since their arrival at South Africa’s Antarctic research station (SANAE IV), last year December.
What you can expect from this team’s newsletters:
For loads more interesting topics discussed by SANAE57 (Click here).
To see newsletters from previous SANAE teams as well as current and previous Marion Island and Gough Island Overwintering teams (Click here).
Author: Anche Louw (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa), 10 September 2018
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Xolani Nyawo | Communications Engineer - Team Leader |
| Michelle Risi | Birder - Deputy Team Leader |
| Alexis Osborne | Birder |
| Catherine Mokotji Mbazwana | Medic |
| Christopher Jones | Birder |
| Kabelo Moabi | Meteorologist |
| Karabo Mokwena | Meteorologist |
| Michael Ngengangimbi | Meteorologist |
| Innocent Mthetwa | Diesel Mechanic |
| Patrick Hlongwane | Electrician |
| Click here to meet the team. |
Photo Credit: Michelle Risi (Gough64 Birder).
Author: Anche Louw (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa), 05 September 2018
Team training for the 64th Gough Island Overwintering Team commenced on the 13th of August and today the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) joined the training.
During this session the team received historical background (in the form of a timeline) on South Africa’s involvement in the Antarctic (SANAE base), sub-Antarctic (Marion base), but most importantly Gough Island – where this team will depart to in 3 weeks’ time.
This team will now become part of South Africa’s Antarctic Legacy and we wish them all the best for their journey on the island.
Click here to download the Gough64 team training schedule.
Meet the 64th Gough Island Overwintering team:
Author: Anché Louw (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa), 20 August 2018
The 75th Marion Island Overwintering team has been alone on the island for 1 month. Watch this videos where Antarctic Legacy of South Africa’s; Anché Louw interview Mr Mathibela Selepe, Chief Communications Officer, regarding the role of the team’s Communications Engineer, Bukelwa Mavis Lekhesa.
See here for a list of team members on the 75th Marion Island Overwintering team.
https://www.facebook.com/AntarcticLegacySA/videos/634146980257581/
R. S. A. in Table Bay next to pier
SANAE I team on Polarbjorn 1959
