South Africa's top Antarctic research initiative faces numerous challenges including infrastructural issues, internal disorganization, and an energy crisis at one of its isolated stations, as reported by scientists and government representatives involved in the program.
Various informants, who chose to talk with Daily Maverick under conditions of confidentiality, mentioned that their frustration has compelled them to come forward openly. According to these individuals, years of poor governance within crucial governmental organizations have brought the nation's capability for polar research to its limits.
The most recent indication of difficulty is a major scientific research facility operating with limited resources at Marion Island, which serves as South Africa’s rugged sub-Antarctic station approximately 2,000 kilometers southeast of Cape Town.
Out of the three diesel generators intended to supply approximately 4,200 megawatts, 2 Of the modular structures on the island — where temperatures can drop as low as 6°C on average — just one is functioning correctly at present.
According to sources, the reason behind this situation is that during the April 2024 relief mission to Marion Island—the exposed peak of an underwater volcano—the vessel was instructed to depart from Cape Town lacking essential generator components. This oversight left the station’s mechanics to manage on their own over the last twelve months.
'It isn’t life-threatening — until the final generator fails'
In this investigation, two of the scientists who talked to Daily Maverick are referred to as "a senior researcher" and "an academic," both affiliated with the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP).
As stated for the island, the base’s "power generation room", management plan was created to depend on three "diesel-powered generator units".
“The Antarctic stations have safety measures set up — you understand… just in case anything fails,” joked the scholar. “However, for now, they’ve exhausted all their backup options. They're relying solely on a single engine unit... Fingers crossed, electricity should be available when the rescue mission gets here.”
The journey, departing from Cape Town on April 17th, is anticipated to reach its destination approximately five days afterwards.
These "backup" systems refer to the additional generators intended for rotational use.
According to information provided by someone familiar with the facility, the operational generator is not in good shape. Additionally, there might be a functional backup generator, though "its purpose is strictly for emergencies, to step in when a main generator malfunctions."
If it doesn't work, the backup generator won't run for very long," the source stated. "I'm not sure exactly how long, but you can expect there will be no hot water and big devices such as ovens won't function.
An extremely vulnerable base facing total power loss poses significant health and safety hazards for the small group of staff stranded on the cold southern Indian Ocean island. The closest neighbors to this isolated location are France’s scientific stations at Crozet and Kerguelen, which lie 1,000 km and 2,300 km away, respectively.
In this make-believe situation, it would be akin to Johannesburg experiencing a blackout and requesting Cape Town to come up with electricity using sauvignon blanc wine and the fog around Table Mountain as resources.
"It isn’t life-threatening — until the final generator fails," the scholar mourned.
The lead researcher commented: "We've had recurring problems with the generators over the last seven years, varying from mild to severe—largely depending on the skill, dedication, and instruction received by the diesel mechanics and base engineers annually, as well as their proficiency in maintaining these systems."
[caption id="attachment_2681394" align="alignnone" width="1332"] The isolated position of Marion Island in the South Atlantic, situated midway towards Antarctica. (Source: Google Maps) [/caption]
'Any failure in power production turns into a crisis'
"Reaching Marion requires approximately five-day sea journeys. All supplies from the vessel are transferred to land via air at Marion Island. Resupply operations occur annually for this location. Although less severe and perilous than Antarctica, Marion remains extremely chilly, damp, and blustery," explained Professor Ian Meiklejohn, who has extensive experience with both domestic and global missions to the Subantarctic and Antarctic regions.
Last year, Meiklejohn retired from his position as the longtime leader of the Geography Department at Rhodes University. He addressed our inquiries regarding the significance of operational power systems in harsh research settings, rather than discussing any possible failures of generators at particular facilities.
As they are utilized cyclically, the load gets distributed amongst the generators over time," Meiklejohn explained. "A failure in power production turns into a critical situation, posing risks to both the staff and ongoing scientific work.
Meiklejohn observed that personnel at South Africa’s other two research stations in the area — Sanae IV located in East Antarctica and Gough Island situated in the South Atlantic — depended on comparable systems.
An abundance of delays: 'This is akin to... Get your act together'
Originally planned to set off from Cape Town on 3 April, the yearly aid mission has been delayed two times: initially rescheduled for 10 April and now moved to 17 April.
The delays have apparently caused schedules to be thrown into disarray. International partnerships are hanging by a thread.
"The Directorate for Oceans and Coasts within the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), responsible for managing Sanap’s logistics, has faced significant disruption over several years. Adding more negative publicity would not be beneficial," emphasized the scholar.
But there wasn't an apology from the DFFE stating, 'We apologize; we'll need to postpone the journey.' Instead, they communicated just one sentence: 'The departure has been rescheduled for 17th April.' It feels as though they're leaving everyone else to figure things out themselves.
In an email viewed by Daily Maverick, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) notified those participating in the voyage as follows: "Kindly be advised that the departure for the takeover journey to Marion Island has been rescheduled to April 17, 2025, because of logistical issues. Team leaders should ensure this information reaches every member."
[caption id="attachment_2681396" align="alignnone" width="1417"] A fur seal was captured alongside the SA Agulhas I research and supply ship during the ceremonial inauguration of the station in March 2011. (Photo: Tiara Walters) [/caption]
Nelson Mandela’s divisive heritage under threat
Among the initial 12 countries with decisive roles, South Africa signed the Antarctic Treaty, thereby gaining considerable influence internationally in matters of polar exploration and diplomatic relations.
It earned its permanent place at the decision-maker table as Africa’s only treaty state by meeting the requirement regarding "significant scientific investigation".
President Nelson Mandela treasured South Africa’s unique role at the bottom of the Earth — such that Africa’s first democratically elected polar president entered into an Antarctic cooperative accord during a state visit to Wellington in November 1995 with New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger.
However, three decades after Madiba signed that accord, Marion’s research groups have indicated that they had organized for international counterparts to participate in the island’s field studies—yet with the humanitarian mission delayed, these arrangements were at risk of collapsing.
Claims of inappropriate sexual behavior inside the program initially featured in the Sunday Times In March, these issues have been extensively reported by nearly every prominent Western media outlet — a situation that could further harm South Africa’s reputation. 70-year Antarctic legacy .
The delays put these international collaborations at risk," the scholar stated. "The DFFE doesn’t seem to understand that numerous researchers must reschedule their travel and lodging arrangements. Such expenses will likely be seen as unnecessary spending leading to unfavorable audit outcomes for university research funds.
[caption id="attachment_2681395" align="alignnone" width="1417"] Seabird scientist Linda Clookie at a Marion Island king penguin settlement in March 2011. (Photo: Tiara Walters) [/caption]
From Mandela to mold: 'Rubbish bins serve to collect the water'
The A R200 million saffron facility was revealed. In March 2011, it arrived amidst great excitement, resembling an ultra-modern gourd from the swamps—complete with a hot tub and magnificent morning vistas of killer whales riding the waves in the bay.
However, it appears that this magnificent gem of South Africa’s Subantarctic legacy is yielding to environmental forces.
"The facilities at the site are deteriorating. It’s not only the generators; even the large boiler for hot water isn’t working," stated a source.
The island — which is also facing criticism from killer invasive mice and lethal bird flu in marine birds — receives approximately 2,200 mm of rainfall annually. However, the "foundation has numerous leaks, requiring the use of portable containers to collect dripping water." Numerous windows have cracks, carpets are moldy due to these leaks, and apparently, there was inadequate upkeep during the transition period.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) "should address these issues during the takeover process, but they fail to do so."
When queried, DPWI spokesperson Lennox Mabaso stated that the department has indeed "acquired five new generators. They'll be shipped off to Marion Island this Thursday. Out of these, three will handle regular functions, with the remaining two acting as standby options should an emergency arise. The aim is to substitute the outdated equipment presently stationed on the island."
This initiative will address all electricity-related issues on the island, particularly those related to limited power generation capabilities. At present, the island’s entire electrical demands are satisfied, and spare parts have been supplied to maintain the functionality of emergency generators until their replacement during this trip.
Mabaso stated that a DPWI team would accompany the journey to carry out "standard maintenance tasks such as plumbing services".
Three departments enter a crisis — none accepts blame.
In contrast to countries like Britain or Australia, which have centralized organizations for polar research such as the British Antarctic Survey or the Australian Antarctic Programme, South Africa’s initiative is dispersed among multiple governmental departments and entities.
The DFFE handles the logistical aspects. The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) decides on scientific financing. The DPWI is responsible for upkeep at Antarctica stations.
"The collaboration among those three government departments is at best quite poor. Each one points fingers at the others. They all have distinct budget allocations. This complicates management significantly," stated the academic.
Meetings that were previously scheduled a year ahead for planning purposes are now conducted only a few weeks prior to departure.
We've witnessed the significant impact that Sanap has had on numerous academic and scientific initiatives within the nation," stressed the scholar. "However, there seems to be a lack of proper planning now. This is profoundly troubling for individuals like myself who have dedicated their professional lives to Sanap across several decades.
[caption id="attachment_2681392" align="alignnone" width="1417"] The facility at its formal unveiling in March 2011. Still some building activities were ongoing. (Image: Tiara Walters) [/caption]
A new polar body to assist with managing multiple ministries — and grip the wrench
Up until the 1990s, South Africa’s involvement with Antarctica was managed exclusively by the Department of Transport—a system deemed effective by certain scientists. Afterward, however, the program underwent restructuring, leading to various organizations taking over different duties.
Several stakeholders who have raised concerns over potential logistical challenges and infrastructural issues believe that there is just one viable option: reverting to a consolidated framework where all aspects of logistics, financing, and basic management are overseen by a singular organization.
This kind of organization would be headed by strong leadership managing — amongst other things — skilled and ready mechanical teams.
This is precisely why a team of scientists initiated the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (Sapri) in 2021, as mentioned by multiple interviewees.
“The initial idea was for Sapri to take over and streamline a lot of these things and processes under one institute,” the academic observed.
In turn, the lead researcher affiliated with Sanap echoed these views.
However, referring to the DFFE’s management, the senior researcher also highlighted what they described as an “incompetent”, “defensive” and “territorial” logistics arm.
"The Sanap division within the DFFE must operate effectively, ensuring appointments based on merit for capable individuals," stated the lead scientist. "Logistics support should align with scientific efforts rather than overshadow them." The Sapri initiative was launched to foster a more integrated strategy between the DFFE’s logistical functions and scientific endeavors.
But the DFFE is extremely protective and possessive — largely, I believe, due to their incompetence, with their preferred defense being an offensive strategy.
Top-tier potential in theory—yet can South Africa follow through?
When asked whether the DSTI-supported Sapri was the most suitable organization to address the alleged disorder, institution leader Juliet Hermes demonstrated remarkable diplomacy.
She contended that the DSTI’s National Research Foundation (NRF) has a "proven track record" of supporting financing for Antarctic research. According to her, the NRF-managed Sarpi provides "research facilities." She clarified that logistics and upkeep fell under the purview of the DFFE and DPWI; however, the national scientific department collaborates closely with these ministries.
"South Africa possesses the scientific know-how, geographical edge, and historical heritage to take the lead in polar studies," Hermes emphasized.
The DSTI and NRF had "continuing" discussions with the DFFE regarding the "entire" Antarctic program.
Sapri and Sanap’s "dedicated" mission, as stated, aimed at providing facilities and financial support for an "integrated, adequately funded, and robust framework." This approach seeks collaboration among various sectors including governmental bodies, academic institutions, and global alliances. It also backs up South Africa’s potential in the realm of polar research.
‘The ship’s already sinking’
The DA-controlled DFFE and DPWI departments took over a multitude of issues from their ANC counterparts, according to claims made by supportive informants.
Director Ashley Johnson, as the academic pointed out, was brought in to "stabilize" the Oceans and Coasts department.
Researchers expressed optimism after recently meeting with Johnson, who indicated a shift away from last-ditch emergency handling.
“He appears to indeed have a strategy,” the scholar commented, “yet the vessel is already going under.”
The DFFE recognized our comprehensive request for comments. We did not receive any responses to our queries regarding the alleged electricity shortage and other infrastructure issues within 48 hours of sending them.
'The ANC acknowledged the importance of Africa's role in Antarctica.'
The South African government has created chances and opened up avenues for many generations of researchers across fields spanning from oceanography to geology.
Those scientists publish in high-impact journals , helping enhance worldwide comprehension of climate change At a time when President Donald Trump’s second administration — the treaty’s custodian — has waged war on the very term.
"The ANC was remarkable when it assumed power in 1994," Professor Steven Chown, a former president of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research who hails from South Africa, shared with us during our conversation. individual interview in July 2024 .
Chown was present at the inauguration of the base in 2011, along with other leading scientists. Professor Marthán Bester the polar mammals specialist from the University of Pretoria.
"They acknowledged the importance of Africa's presence in Antarctica and South Africa's role as an ambassador for Africa," stated Chown, who has been affiliated with Australia’s Monash University since 2012.
For the moment, the inhabitants of the island keep waiting — they hope that the final operational generator will last until the arrival of the aid vessel. DM
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