Media Release by the Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment
Minister Barbara Creecy visits Antarctica, 9 to 12 Jan
9 Jan 2023
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Ms Barbara Creecy, will on Monday (9 January 2023) visit the Princess Elisabeth Antarctic Research Station as a guest of the Government of Belgium for four days.
The Ministerial visit to the research station is being hosted by the Government of Belgium and the International Polar Foundation, as the operator of the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica under mandate from the Belgian Polar Secretariat.
While at the base the Minister will have an opportunity to learn more about the first zero emissions research station in Antarctica, which has become a showcase for best practice in the use of renewable energies to reduce the environmental impact of operations on Antarctica. The Belgians have expressed their desire to sharing Best Practice to improve the environmental performance of the South African Research Infrastructure in Antarctica.
The Belgian Antarctic Research Expedition (BELARE) uses Cape Town as its gateway.
On Tuesday, 10 January 2023, Minister Creecy will travel from the Belgian base to the South African Antarctic Programme’s Research Station, known as SANAE IV, in Queen Maud Land. At the base, which is managed and administered by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Minister Creecy will interact with station crew and also inspect the facilities used by the South African scientists. During the visit to the biodiversity hotspot, the Minister will learn about the threats of pollution and research into the human impact on ocean and marine ecosystems threatened by global climate change and earth systems observations.
The department has maintained South Africa’s research presence in Antarctica and the Prince Edward Islands. The scientific data that is collected during voyages is critical to the understanding of amongst other things, the impacts of climate change and weather information associated with extreme events.
The first South African built Antarctic base, a wooden structure, SANAE I, was a Meteorological research station constructed in 1961/62. South Africa has not only maintained an uninterrupted presence in the Antarctic since 1960 but played an active role in the management and conservation of the vast continent and contributed to the pool of scientific knowledge.
The S.A. Agulhas II is expected to depart to Antarctica today, 15 December 2022.
The 62nd South African National Antarctic Expedition team (SANAE 62) is on board the vessel. The S62 team with be replacing the S61 team during this Antarctic relief voyage.
62nd South African National Antarctic Expedition team (SANAE 62)
Bon Voyage to all on board the S.A. Agulhas II.
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 15 December 2022
The Communications Technician, Aphiwe Dyum, shares his experience thus far as part of the 61st SANAE overwintering team
Here are some of the interview questions:
How would you rate SANAE compared to the Marion? (Aphiwe has been on two Marion Island Overwintering Teams , M76 & M77)
Share your highlights for this year 2022?
What do you miss about home?
How do you pass the time when you are not working?
What have you learnt from your SANAE colleagues?
What would you do to improve awareness for this program?
“One of the things I have never done in my life isstaying indoors for anentire month without seeingthe sunrise/sunset” – Aphiwe
Meet the team’s Mechanical Engineer, Deputy Station Leader/ Technical Team Leader, Thulani Ngwaqa
Here are some of the interview questions:
What does it take to go through a year at SANAE IV?
What activities do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
What do you look forward to do when you are back home?
How does this program benefit South Africa?
Will there be a third trip? “Yes, I think there will be a third trip. Once you bond with this place, you keep missing itwhen you are back home (South Africa)” – Thulani
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is seeking a medical doctor to join the 62nd South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE) team.
In this edition:
Read more about the current team at SANAE IV and meet the medical doctor of the team.
