by Ria Olivier | Aug 23, 2022 | Current Event, Gough Island, News, Overwintering Team, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, Take-Over Operations, Tristan da Cunha
The S.A. Agulhas II departed from East Pier, V&A Waterfront on her annual Gough Island relief voyage on Saturday, 20 August 2022.
On the way to Gough Island, the vessel will stop at Tristan da Cunha, offloading Tristan passengers and cargo. This stopover will approximately be 60 hours. From here the vessel will depart to Gough Island. Passengers will disembark and cargo will be offloaded with helicopters. Scientific projects will commence.
Onboard are the DFFE Logistics team, the 68th Gough Island Overwintering team (9 team members), the National Department of Public Works (NDPW) maintenance team, Helicopter crew, Scientific personnel, and Tristan passengers.
Logistics Team
Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Directorate: Southern Oceans & Antarctic Support
Management, logistics and support for this voyage |
| Departmental Co-ordinator (DCO) | Ms Nomzi Ndzandzeka |
| Assistant DCO | Mr Zukisa Kuse |
| Technical Section | Mr Willem Boshoff |
| Medical Doctor | Dr MC Taggart |
| Waste Technician | Mr Tatulo Fipaza |
68th Gough Island Overwintering Team (Click here for profile pictures of the team members)
| Medical Orderly/Team Leader | Mr Joyfull Ntobeko Gaju |
| Diesel Mechanic | Mr Sibusiso Maduna |
Communications Engineer/
Deputy Team Leader | Mr Mayembe Kapenda |
| Electrical/Base Engineer | Mr Eddy Mfezeko Xaki |
| Senior Meteorology Technician | Mr Philani Siyabonga Ngcobo |
| Assistant Meteorology Technician | Mr Khuliso Collen Maphaha |
| Assistant Meteorology Technician | Mr Mphumzi Brooklyn Zilindile |
| RSPB Field Assistant | Dr Lucy Dorman |
| RSPB Field Assistant | Ms Rebekah Goodwill |
National Department of Public Works Maintenance Team
| Project Manager Leader | Mr Takalani Mudau |
Refrigeration Mechanical
& Deputy Leader | Mr William E Kriege |
| Carpenter | Mr A Petersen |
| Carpenter | Mr E Roberts |
| Carpenter | Mr ME Gazi |
| Bricklayer | Mr MI Jantjies |
| Plumber | Mr M Maluka |
| Plumber | Mr MW Samsodien |
| Plumber | Ms N Sogoni |
| Painter | Ms B Nelani |
| Crane Technician | Mr James Page |
| Crane Technician | Mr L Pierce |
| Mechanical | Mr J Zeelie |
| Mechanical | Mr MLG Porta Nova |
| Mechanical | Mr B Mpengesi |
| Mechanical | Mr LN Thomas |
Helicopter Crew
| Team Leader & Engineer | Mr Raymond van der Watt |
| Captain | Mr Waldo Venter |
| Captain | Mr Eugene Viljoen |
| First Officer | Mr Mukapitendwa Khalushi |
| First Officer | Mr Jason Abrey |
| Engineer | Mr Daniel Carstens |
Engineer Engine/
HLO/Crewman | Mr Warren Vogt |
| EngineerCrewman | Mr Eduan Teich |
| EngineerCrewman | Mr Jodi Brophy |
| Fire Fighter | Mr Zakariah Johnson |
Scientific fieldwork planned for the 2022 take-over
| South African Weather Service (SAWS) |
| Atmosphere and Ocean Surface Research |
| Group Leader | Mr. Julian Grace |
|
| Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) |
| Monitor trends and changes in water quality, provide guidance and support |
| Group Leader | Ms Silindokuhle Ndlela |
|
| Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) |
| Gough Island Restoration Programme |
| Group Leader | Dr Antjie Steinfurth |
|
| South African National Space Agency (SANSA) |
| Polar Space Weather Studies |
| Group Leader | Mr Christopher Gray |
|
| University of Fort Hare |
| Landscape and climate interactions (LCI) |
| Group Leader | Dr Elizabeth Rudolph |
Featured Image: Gough Island station (Credit: Julius Klette).
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 23 August 2022
by Ria Olivier | Apr 21, 2022 | Current Event, Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, Prince Edward Islands, Research, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, Science, Southern Ocean, Stations, sub-Antarctic, Take-Over Operations
The S.A. Agulhas II departed from East Pier, V&A Waterfront on her annual Marion Island relief voyage, Sunday 17 April 2022. The expected time of arrival at the island is today, 21 April 2022.
The first leg of the voyage, Oceanographic Leg 1, from Cape Town to Marion Island, was dedicated to underway sampling (the vessel did not stop for sampling to take place).
Once at the island, take-over operations will commence immediately (weather permitting) – all land-based scientists, National Department of Public Works (NDPW) personnel, and take-over personnel (DFFE) will disembark. Cargo will be slung with helicopters to the island and fuel will be pumped to the island. Hereafter, the vessel will depart from Marion Island on the 2nd Oceanographic leg (annual Research and Monitoring programme around the Prince Edward Islands). The 3rd Oceanographic leg will commence after take-over, on the way back to Cape Town.
What is planned for the 2022 take-over on Marion Island (land-based)
- base and hut maintenance (NDPW)
- base and hut restock
- take-over function
- 79th Marion Island overwintering team (meet the team in next article) to take over from 78th Marion Island overwintering team (M78 – click here).
- take-over projects – scientific fieldwork (see table below)
University of Fort Hare, Department of Geography
Landscape and climate Interactions In a changing sub-Antarctic Environment🔗 |
| Group Leader | Prof Werner Nel |
DFFE: Oceans and Coasts
Southern Ocean and Island Research Programme
|
| Group Leader | Dr Azwianewi Makhado |
BirdLife South Africa & University of Pretoria
Department of Plant and Soil Sciences🔗
Longitudinal monitoring of terrestrial diversity to assess the effects of mouse eradiction on Marion Island, and bait and mouse trials to inform further planning for the project |
| Group Leader | Mr Luis Alberto Rodriguez-Pertierra |
BirdLife South Africa, DFFE
Mouse-Free Marion (Project to Eradicate House Mica from Marlon Island)🔗 |
| Group Leader | Dr Anton Wolfaardt |
South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
Polar Space Weather Studies🔗 |
| Group Leader | Mr Matthew Spoor |
South African Weather Service (SAWS)
Atmosphere and Ocean Surface Research🔗 |
| Group Leader | Mr Vuyo Xelithole |
University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science
Observing Dawn In the Cosmos🔗 |
| Group Leader | Mr Ronny Joseph |
University of Pretoria, Mammal Research Unit, Department of Zoology & Entomology
Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme (MIMMP)🔗
Marion Island Marine Mammals in Changing Environments: lndividual Heterogeneity and Population Processes |
| Group Leader | Prof Nico de Bruyn
|
Nelson Mandela University, Department of Zoology
Marine Apex Predator Research Unit (MAPRU)🔗
Avian scavengers as indicators of recovery of an island biota |
| Group Leader | Dr Maëlle Connan |
What is planned for the take-over onboard the S.A. Agulhas II (ship-based)
DFFE: Ocean & Coasts Research
DFFE Ship-based Southern Ocean and Islands Research Programme |
| Ocean Physics: Group Leader | Mr Gavin Tutt |
| Ocean Chemistry: Group Leader | Dr Thato Mtshali |
| Ocean Biological: Group Leader | Mr Henry Kakora |
DFFE:Ocean & Coasts, University of Cape Town, Bayworld Centre for Research & Education
SAMOC-SA |
| Group Leader | Mr. Grant van der Heever |
University of Pretoria
Enhanced insights regarding the ecology, evolution, and function of marine microbiomes |
| Group Leader | Mr Choaro Dithugoe |
Land-based DFFE and other take-over personnel
Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
Directorate: Southern Oceans & Antarctic Support
Management, logistics and support for this voyage |
| Departmental Co-ordinator (DCO) | Mr Errol Julies |
| Assistant DCO | Mr Mfundo Tima |
| Admin Officer | Ms Pozisa Matshoba |
| General/Waste Technician | Mr Sabata Setona |
| General/Waste Technician | Mr Mazizi Salmani |
DFFE
Directorate: Oceans, Coasts & Biosecurity Compliance |
| Environmental Control Officer | Mr Thomas Mufanadzo |
DFFE
Directorate: Earth Systems Strategies
Prince Edward Islands Management Authority (Oversight Management Functions) |
| Group Leader | Ms Ntombovuyo Madlokazi |
| Chief Scientists |
| Land-based | Prof Werner Nel |
| Ship-based | Mr Marcel van den Berg |
National Department of Public Works (NDPW)
Maintenance Support |
| Group Leader | Mr Takalani Mudau |
Featured Image: S.A. Agulhas II at Marion Island, May 2014 (Credit: Anche Louw).
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 21 April 2022
by Ria Olivier | Sep 23, 2021 | Announcement, Gough Island, News, Overwintering Team, SANAP, Southern Ocean, Take-Over Operations, Tristan da Cunha
The 67th Gough Island overwintering team, all crew onboard the S.A. Agulhas II, and take-over personnel have gone through an isolation period and Covid19 testing prior to departure to Gough Island. The vessel departed from East Pier, Cape Town Harbor on the 15th of September 2021 and after a stop at Tristan da Cunha, arrived at Gough Island today, 23 September 2021.
This take-over will be led by Mardené de Villiers (Meteorological Officer at South African Weather Service), as Chief Scientist. The team leader of the new Gough Island team (G67) is Sandile Nkebe, who is also appointed as the Medical Orderly of the team. The deputy team leader is Peter Chuku, the Communications Engineer, who has overwintered on Gough Island before (2017/2018).
Three of the team members of G66, Kim Stevens, Vonica Perold, and Roelf Daling, will stay on as part of G67 and continue to play a crucial role in the follow-up stages of the Gough Island Restoration Programme. Read more about this mice eradication programme here.
All the best to all involved in this take-over operations, including the team returning home and to the new team that will be taking over duties on Gough Island.
Meet the rest of the team:
Anche Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 23 September 2021
by Ria Olivier | May 28, 2021 | Marion Island, Take-Over Operations
The Prince Edward Islands in the southern Indian Ocean form the first sub-Antarctic Ramsar Site in the sub-Antarctic, designated as RAMSAR Site Wetland of International Importance by South Africa on 22 May 2007 as No. 1688. The RAMSAR Convention’s mission is “the conservation and wise use of all wetlands through local and national actions and international cooperation, as a contribution towards achieving sustainable development throughout the world”. Wetlands are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems that provide essential ecosystem services.
Mbulelo Dopolo is the Director responsible for the Sub-Antarctic and Antarctica management in the Branch Oceans and Coasts, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). His role includes the;
In his capacity as management oversight through the PEIAC, he was part of the takeover team for Marion Island during April and May in 2021 – “As I am responsible for the oversight of the Implementation of the Prince Edward Islands Management Plan , I took this as part of the exercise to familiarize myself and ground truth some of the issues flagged during the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT-SA) assessment of the PEI SNR / Ramsar site held in February 2021 of the 58th meeting of the Standing Committee.” Mbulelo shared some of his experiences while on Marion Island.
Left: Daisy Kotsedi – Marine Protected Area (MPA) Management with Mbulelo Dopolo en route to Watertunnel from the base, which is approximately 30 km walk over steep climbs of Black headed and Rocky terrain.
Right: (l-r- Sanele Mkhonza- Environmental Control Officer(ECO), Sydney Tshilingalinga – Assistant ECO, Daisy Kotsedi and Mbulelo Dopolo at the base prior to their departure for Watertunnel.
(Left) At the base before departure for very first trip out of the base to Ships Cove. ( Right) Assisting with fuel transfer from the ship to the base storage. Pulling the pipe from a rubber duck to the shore. S.A. Agulhas II in the background. Unfortunately, they had to abort their mission to Rooks due to strong winds.
Bit of Background on Mbulelo is that he did a Master of Science degree in Zoology, specialising in Marine Ecology at University of Cape Town and received training in Ocean Governance through International Ocean Institute – Southern Africa and Rhodes University in 2013. Mbulelo is fluent in five of our 11 indigenous languages. See below links where Mbulelo was co-author to articles and conference papers:
by Ria Olivier | Apr 14, 2021 | Marion Island, News, Overwintering Team, SA Agulhas II, Take-Over Operations
The 78th Marion Island overwintering team has gone through some ups and downs. After two weeks of isolation and multiple Covid-19 tests, the team left Cape Town on 9 April at 19:34 onboard the SA Agulhas II with Captain Gavin Syndercombe. The team arrived at Marion Island on 13 April 2021. The Marion 78 team leader is Bubele Nongwejana (see below). He is also the Medical Orderly, taking over from Winnie Moodaley – current team leader and Medical Orderly of Marion 77.
Three members of the 77th Marion overwintering team will be staying behind, forming part of Marion 78 (see last row above): Thando Cebekhulu, Yinhla Shihlomule and Frikkie van der Vyver. These members only joined Marion 77 in September 2020, due to Covid-19 restrictions (see post of Marion Island Marine Mammal Programme below).
Chief Scientist of this take-over is Prof Werner Nel (University of Fort Hare).
Anché Louw, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, 14 April 2021
by Ria Olivier | Sep 21, 2020 | Gough Island, Overwintering Team, SA Agulhas II, SANAP, sub-Antarctic, Take-Over Operations, Uncategorised
Gough Island is located at 40°S, 9°W – 2600 km from East Pier, Cape Town Harbour. (Image above by Christopher Jones currently onthe Island) South Africa has been operating a weather station on Gough Island since 1956. The first overwintering team consists of 4 members , but since then the team structure has developed to include more members. The team consists of a Medical Orderly, Diesel Mechanic, Electrical Engineer and a Communications Engineer. The South African Weather Service(SAWS send a team that consist of a Senior Meteorological Technician and two Meteorological Technicians. The rest of the team is made up of 3 Field assistants of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds(RSPB). A team leader and deputy team leader are also appointed for the duration of their time.
(Above L-R: Tshimangadzo Jufter(Jay) Munyai – Leader and Electrical Engineer, Catherine(Cathy) Mbazwana – Deputy Leader and Medical Orderly, S’Celo Ndwalane – Diesel Mechanic and Gert Benadé – Communications Engineer)
(Above L-R: Zinhle(Zee) Shongwe – Senior Meteorological Technician and Meteorological Technicians (Asa) Somaxaka and Dylan Seaton (of Gough65 staying on for another year)
(Above L-R: RSPB field assistants; Vonica Perold, Roelf Daling and Kim Stevens
As with Marion77 overwintering team the 2020 annual S.A. Agulhas II relief voyage to Gough Island departed on 19 September 2020 under strict Covid-19 health protocols. In the midst of these protocols and given the clear the Gough 66 made time to be part of South Africa Heritage Celebrations and answered the call by President Ramaphosa and create a video of the #JeruslaemDanceChallenge (have a look on Facebook). Gough will stop at Tristan de Cunha on the way to Gough Island and then Gough 66 will take-over form Gough65
(Above L-R: Richard Hall – Logistics Manager, Vonica Perold, Roelf Daling and Kim Stevens – RSPB Field Asisstants and Nini van der Merwe(BirdlifeSA) with poster of restoration programme. The Gough Island Restoration 2021 also gets underway with the departure of Gough 66. RSPB;” Six months after having made the devastating decision to postpone the 2020 restoration of Gough Island, our team is back in strength and starting to gear up for what we hope will be a 2021 mouse eradication attempt.”
Above a few preliminary team photos (L-R: girls of 66, Team66, Guys of 66) Follow #GOUGH66 on Twitter @Antarcticlegacy and Facebook
