Tag Archives: Overwintering Team

SANAE IV July 2019 Newsletter now available

  Thursday August 15th, 2019 - 10:15 AM | , , , , , ,
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In this edition:

Read more about the:

  • Mechanical Engineer and Technical Team Leader of S58;
  • wastewater treatment works at SANAE;
  • recreational activities at the base: Karaoke evenings at the South African National Antarctic Expedition station and more;
  • weather statistics of June 2019.

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

SANAE IV June 2019 Newsletter now available

  Tuesday July 30th, 2019 - 12:04 PM | , , , , , ,
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SANAE58, Antarctica, Newsletters

In this edition:

  • Meet the Team Medical Doctor, Salomé Odendaal
  • Learn more about the medical facilities at the base
  • The ins and outs about waste management here at SANAE IV
  • What you want to know about cooking and a typical SANAE braai
  • Weather summary for the month and more…

 

Click here to download/view the SANAE IV Newsletter, June 2019 Edition

Most recent news from the team:

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

Mid-winter greetings from the three SANAP stations

  Friday June 21st, 2019 - 03:26 PM | , , , , , , ,
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Happy mid-winter from our Antarctic station (SANAE), sub-Antarctic station (Marion Island) and Gough Island.

Antarctica – where the 58th overwintering team will be celebrating mid-winter.

Antarctica, SANAE, SANAE58,midwinter

Marion Island – where the 76th overwintering team will be celebrating mid-winter.

Marion Island, Marion76, midwinter

Gough Island – where the 64th overwintering team will be celebrating mid-winter.

Gough Island, Gough64, midwinter

SANAE58 team member birthday – Salomé Odendaal

  Friday June 14th, 2019 - 07:00 AM | , , , , , ,
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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.

SANAE IV May 2019 Newsletter now available

  Thursday June 13th, 2019 - 11:26 AM | , , , , , , ,
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SANAE58, Antarctica, Newsletters

In this Edition:

SANAE IV, Antarctica

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

 

 

 

Electrician needed – Gough Island 2019-2020

  Wednesday June 12th, 2019 - 10:38 AM | , , , ,
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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.

Gough Photos

 

Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 12 June 2019

 

Meteorological Technician position on Antarctica (Video)

  Monday June 10th, 2019 - 10:02 AM | , , , , ,
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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.

More about the Senior Meteorological Technician position for the South African Weather Service (SAWS) at SANAE IV…

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • National Weather Certificate or BSc Degree (Honours) in Natural Sciences or Previous Island Experience.
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have been to the islands before.
  • Candidates must be willing to work shifts (both day and night shifts), and on public holidays in possible adverse weather conditions.
  • Candidates must be punctual, dedicated, precise and able to work in a team, as well as on their own.

DUTIES

  • Oversee and coordinate surface meteorological and atmospheric research project assigned by the Marine Section of SAWS.
  • Perform surface meteorological observations and maintain and verify all equipment at the remote station of SANAE IV.
  • Conduct quality control of data, report writing and asset control.
  • Assist other team members with logistical and administrative tasks associated with the general running of the base.
  • Conduct all duties in accordance with the rules, regulations and standards as set out by the South African Weather Service.

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

Marion75 team photo and logo now uploaded

  Thursday June 6th, 2019 - 09:00 AM | , , , , ,
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Marion75, M75, Marion Island, Overwintering Team

The 75th Marion Island Overwintering team departed on 06 April 2018 (click here to read more) and returned to Cape Town on the 15th of May 2019 (VIDEO).

Click on the link below and view their official team photo among the previous Marion Island overwintering teams.

Also visit the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive to view the team photo or team logo.

Marion Island Team Photos

 

Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 06 June 2019.

Happy Birthday to Marion75 Team member – Michelle Thompson

  Sunday May 19th, 2019 - 07:00 AM | , , , , ,
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Marion Island, Sub-Antarctic, South African Islands

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! Marion Island, Birhdays

Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 19 May 2019

Welcome home Marion75 and take-over personnel

  Thursday May 16th, 2019 - 12:35 PM | , , , , , , , , ,
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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.

Marion75 and take-over personnel, addressed by the Deputy Director-General Oceans and Coasts, Judy Beaumont:

 

Marion75, M75, Marion Island, Overwintering Team

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.

What is expected of a Diesel Mechanic on Antarctica (Video)

  Tuesday May 14th, 2019 - 10:22 AM | , , ,
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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

 

Meet the Diesel Mechanic of the 57th SANAE Overwintering Team (Season: December 2017 – March 2019), John Skelete.

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

Marion Island take-over coming to an end

  Tuesday May 7th, 2019 - 03:35 PM | , , , , ,
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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

Happy Birthday to Marion75 Team member – Bongekile Kuhlase

  Saturday May 4th, 2019 - 07:00 AM | , , , , ,
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Marion Island, Sub-Antarctic, South African Islands

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.

Marion Island

Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 04 May 2019

Marion Island March 2019 newsletter now available

  Tuesday April 16th, 2019 - 08:00 AM | , , , , , ,
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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.

Marion76 and take-over personnel about to depart from East Pier

  Friday April 12th, 2019 - 03:39 PM | , , ,
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Marion Island, M76, Marion76

Meet the Marion Island Overwintering team here.

See below some photos of the departure, more detail regarding the take-over to follow.

Videos

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

SANAE IV March 2019 Newsletters now available

  Friday April 5th, 2019 - 10:38 PM | , , , ,
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SANAE58, Antarctica, Newsletters

Download the first newsletter of the 58th SANAE Overwintering team!

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.

SANAE58, S58, Antarctica, Overwintering Team

 

Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 05 April 2019

Happy Birthday to Marion75 Team member – Melford Mnengisa

  Friday April 5th, 2019 - 07:00 AM | , , , , ,
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Marion Island, Sub-Antarctic, South African Islands

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.

Marion Island

Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 05 April 2019

Happy Birthday to Marion75 Team member – Sechaba Nyaku

  Friday March 29th, 2019 - 07:00 AM | , , , , ,
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Marion Island, Sub-Antarctic, South African Islands

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.

Marion Island

Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 29 March 2019

Meet Marion76 (2019/2020 overwintering team)

  Wednesday March 20th, 2019 - 04:43 PM | , , , ,
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Marion Island, Overwintering, Team

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.

Marion76 (M76)

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

 

Marion Island February 2019 newsletter now available

  Tuesday March 19th, 2019 - 07:00 AM |
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Marion Island, Newsletter

Greetings to the friends, families and followers of the M75 team!Marion Island, Newsletter

And so goes the second month of the not-so-new-anymore year. It has been another wonderful month on this incredible island! The Christmas trees (correction: one of the Christmas trees) have just been packed away and the base is visibly tensing for the onslaught of the upcoming take-over month. The new M76 team has started training in Cape Town and we are all getting ready to show them the ropes when they arrive. But despite the approaching conclusion to our adventure, we have still been having a fantastic time here in paradise!

Winter is coming, and fast! February saw a very noticable shift in weather as the winds pick up, temperatures drop and the interior recieves a regular dusting of white. Field workers have been busy as the last of many of the newest generation of island birds leave their nests and the fur seal pups grow at an alarming rate. The iconic wandering albatross have mostly settled down and the first few chicks have even hatched. There is still a lot of work to do, both outside and in the lab, before the ship arrives. We have been in high spirits back at base and still enjoy our weekly braais, a couple of birthdays and other fun events.

This edition of The Wanderer (February 2019) is packed with great photos and the amazing experiences that we have been enjoying here! We hope you enjoy them all too!

Kind regards,
the Wanderer Editing team

Authors: Elsa van Ginkel (Editor) and James Burns (Co-Editor), 75th Marion Island Overwintering Team, 19 March 2019 (received 14 March 2019)

 

Click here to view all the Marion Island newsletters available on the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa Archive.

Happy Birthday to Marion75 Team member (Cook) – Jabulani Thabede

  Monday March 18th, 2019 - 08:01 AM | , , , , ,
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Marion Island, Sub-Antarctic, South African Islands

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.

Marion Island, Team, Overwintering Team, Birthdays

Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 18 March 2019

Welcome home S.A. Agulhas II

  Friday March 15th, 2019 - 03:26 PM | , , , , , , , ,
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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

ETA of the S.A. Agulhas II – 15 March 2019

  Thursday March 14th, 2019 - 08:46 AM | , , , , , , , ,
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SA Agulhas II, Antarctica, ETA Cape Town

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

MORE DETAIL:
The S.A. Agulhas II will arrive in Cape Town at 2am, tomorrow morning.

The vessel will then proceed to Landing Wall 1 for inward clearance and shifting in to east pier around 08:30.

SA Agulhas II, Antarctica, ETA Cape Town

Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 14 March 2019

Marion Island January 2019 newsletter now available

  Wednesday February 27th, 2019 - 07:00 AM | , , , , , , , ,
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Marion Island, Newsletter, The Wanderer, Overwintering Team

Greetings to the friends, families and followers of the M75 team!

Marion Island, Newsletter, The Wanderer, Overwintering 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)

Gough Island Overwintering JOBS

  Wednesday February 13th, 2019 - 08:28 AM | , ,
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Gough Island

Gough IslandThe 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:

  • Medical Orderly
  • Electrician
  • Diesel Mechanic
  • Communications Engineer
  • Senior Meteorological Technician
  • Assistant Meteorological Assistant (2 posts)

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

Marion Island December newsletter now available

  Tuesday February 5th, 2019 - 11:22 AM | , , , , ,
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Marion Island, Newsletters, sub-Antarctic, Overwintering Team

Greetings to the friends, families and followers of the M75 team!

Marion Island, Newsletters, sub-Antarctic, Overwintering 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)

S.A. Agulhas II with SANAE58 onboard heading South

  Thursday December 13th, 2018 - 12:57 PM | , , , ,
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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.

The voyage schedule is as follows:

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

SANAE58 Team member Birthday – Mpati Boleme

  Saturday December 1st, 2018 - 06:30 AM | , , ,
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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.

Click here.

Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, Stellenbosch University, 01 December 2018.

Marion Island October newsletter now available

  Monday November 19th, 2018 - 10:42 AM | , , , , ,
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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

Meet the SANAE58 team

  Tuesday November 13th, 2018 - 09:50 PM | , , , , ,
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SANAE58, Overwinter Team, Overwintering Team, Antarctica

The 58th South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) team training has kicked off yesterday, 12 November, onboard the S.A. Agulhas II.

Meet S58, our SANAP ambassadors who will spend just more than a year on the ice:

SANAE58

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:

  • Cold Weather Training
  • Rope Work and Rescue Techniques
  • Fire Fighting
  • First Aid
  • Cooking
  • Team Development activities
  • Dental Examination
  • Clothing Fitment and issuing
  • Occupational Health and Safety Talks
  • Environmental Talks
  • Pre-departure arrangements
  • Protective Clothing
  • Warehouse Procedures & packing of containers
  • Asset Management
  • Tasks & Projects
  • Responsibilities
  • A. Agulhas II – voyage to Antarctica
  • Logistics and voyage information
  • Stock take and Orders, Food Management
  • Monthly and annual reports, Newsletter
  • Team Leader & Management
  • Employee Health and Wellness & Labour Relations Talk

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

Marion Island September Newsletter now available

  Thursday October 11th, 2018 - 02:42 PM |
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The current Marion Island overwintering team (M75) wrote monthly newsletters since May 2018, when they were left behind on the island after the departure of the take-over crew and previous overwintering team.

These newsletters are not just a great way for family and friends to stay connected with team members, but also a way for people that have never been to the island to learn more about the ins and outs thereof.

Also, for those that have been to the island, especially previous overwintering team members like myself, one can browse through these newsletters and have a chance to reminisce about the past.

In the July issue the team started a ‘Round Island for the readers’ series, where different huts will be visited in every Wanderer issue. In this month’s issue the hut visited is on the western side of the island, which is an ultimate favourite for myself and many other islanders – Mixed Pickle. Read all about the Mixed Pickle hut in the September issue (click here).

Map of Marion Island indicating one of many round island routes and also 8 of the 9 (current) field huts and one of the old huts (Long Ridge hut). The ‘Round island for the readers’ will be conducted anti-clockwise. Please note that names of some peaks have changed over the past few years. (Click here to view the map on the ALSA Archive)

Click here to view all the newsletters published by M75 so far.

 

Author: Anche Louw (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa), 11 October 2018

Have you read the latest SANAE Newsletters?

  Monday September 10th, 2018 - 03:05 PM | , , ,
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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:

  • The team’s preparation before their year on the ice? (December 2017 Issue).
  • Meet the whole team and get to know the different team members in each newsletter.
  • Learn more about the research conducted at SANAE IV.
    • What exactly does North West University’s (NWU) Centre for Space Research (CSR) look at in Antarctica? (July 2018 Issue).
  • Weather measurements for some months.
  • Team sponsors are also mentioned at the back of each newsletter – on behalf of the team, thank you to all the sponsors. We truly hope that you will build a relationship with our overwinterers and support them annually.

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

 

 

 

 

Gough 64 departing tomorrow, 6 September 2018

  Wednesday September 5th, 2018 - 07:00 AM | , , ,
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Gough Island 64
Gough64 Team, Team Buff and Team Logo

64th Gough Island Overwintering Team

NamePosition
Xolani NyawoCommunications Engineer - Team Leader
Michelle Risi Birder - Deputy Team Leader
Alexis Osborne Birder
Catherine Mokotji MbazwanaMedic
Christopher JonesBirder
Kabelo MoabiMeteorologist
Karabo Mokwena Meteorologist
Michael NgengangimbiMeteorologist
Innocent MthetwaDiesel Mechanic
Patrick Hlongwane Electrician
Click here to meet the team.
Gough64 Team Training

Photo Credit: Michelle Risi (Gough64 Birder).

Author: Anche Louw (Antarctic Legacy of South Africa), 05 September 2018

64th Gough Overwintering Team – Training

  Monday August 20th, 2018 - 07:54 PM | , , , , ,
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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

Marion 74 team photo now loaded

  Wednesday May 30th, 2018 - 12:25 PM | ,
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The 74th Marion Island Overwintering team departed on 06 April 2017 (Photo) and returned to Cape  Town on 07 May 2018 (Photo).

Click on the link below and view their official team photo among the previous Marion Island overwintering teams.

Marion Island Team Photos

Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 30 May 2018