Minister George welcomes the SA Agulhas II to Cape Town

Minister George welcomes the SA Agulhas II to Cape Town following a succesful annual supply and research voyage to Antarctica, Public Open Day in East London and demonstration Cruise to Cape Town

17 February 2024

South Africa’s iconic supply and research vessel, the SA Agulhas II has today berthed in Cape Town, its home port, after two months in Antarctica for the annual supply and research voyage.

Enroute back, the vessel docked in East London for a public Open Day and a demonstration cruise for Members of Parliament, stakeholders and the media.

Welcoming the vessel back at East Pier, Waterfront, Dr Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries (DFFE), thanked Deputy Minister Singh and Members of Parliament who had joined the demonstration cruise in East London.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Deputy Minister Singh for his outstanding leadership throughout the school’s programme, the SA Agulhas II Open Day, and the demonstration cruise to Cape Town. His unwavering commitment to engaging with stakeholders and the public has been invaluable. Our gratitude also goes to the Members of Parliament who participated, demonstrating their strong support for South Africa’s scientific and environmental initiatives.”

Minister George also acknowledged the important role played by the crew that took the vessel to Antarctica and back

“To the crew of the SA Agulhas II, the scientists, and the experts on board, we commend your dedication and expertise. Your work in extreme environments is a testament to South Africa’s resilience, innovation, and leadership in environmental science.

The schools Open Day on Friday, 14 February 2025, saw more than 1,000 learners drawn from schools across the Buffalo City Metro, experience the wonders of marine science and gain first-hand insights into the operations of this ice breaker. “This initiative highlights our ongoing commitment to education and capacity building, inspiring the next generation of scientists, explorers, and environmental custodians,” said Dr George.

During the public Open Day on Saturday, 15 February 2025, over 3,000 attendees engaged with exhibitions hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and its partners. Visitors had the unique opportunity to tour the vessel, interact with experts, and learn about the ground-breaking research taking place in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica. These engagements not only underscored the significance of the work done, but also reinforced the vital role these regions play in shaping our shared environmental future.

“As we welcome the SA Agulhas II to Cape Town, we celebrate its role as a platform for discovery, collaboration, and commitment to sustainability. Together, we continue to position South Africa as a global leader in environmental science and conservation, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations,” observed Dr George.

For media enquiries, please contact

Thobile Zulu-Molobi  
Mobile: 082 513 7154 
E-mail: tmolobi@dffe.gov.za

or

Peter Mbelengwa  
Mobile: 082 611 8197 
E-mail:  pmbelengwa@dffe.gov.za