Member of Antarctica Research Team Apologizes for Aggressive Behavior and Seeks Counseling

Johannesburg – A member of a research team from South Africa stationed at the remote Sanae IV base in Antarctica has been accused of assaulting a colleague and making threats against him. The accused has since apologized and is receiving counseling.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) confirmed that the apology and counseling were part of the steps taken after reports indicated that researchers in Antarctica faced danger from a violent team member.

Recent media reports have indicated that scientists at this remote Antarctic base have urgently requested a rescue following allegations of physical assault and threats against a colleague by a team member.

Additionally, there have been reports of sexual assault allegations against the same individual.

The researchers are in complete isolation, approximately 4,000 km away from home, with several months remaining in their 16-month expedition.

The reported incident of assault between two overwintering team members occurred on 27 February 2025.

Despite this, a statement released to The Bulrushes by the DFFE seemed to downplay the situation, stating: “The department confirms that there were no incidents that required any of the nine overwintering team members to be brought back to Cape Town.”

It further added: “Should such incidents have occurred, the management team of the department would have replaced the affected overwintering team member immediately, upholding the DFFE’s clear stance: zero tolerance for any misconduct affecting workplace relationships at SANAE IV.”

The DFFE noted that the “alleged perpetrator has voluntarily participated in further psychological assessments, expressed remorse, and is actively cooperating with recommended interventions.”

The accused has submitted a formal written apology to the victim and is prepared to offer a verbal apology to all colleagues at the base, according to the DFFE.

Furthermore, the DFFE has initiated a long-term intervention process through professional counseling services to mend relationships and foster a healthy working environment.

In tandem, the DFFE has initiated a Labour Relations process to address the allegations concerning the physical assault.

“An investigation is also underway regarding the alleged sexual harassment. Claims of sexual assault have been deemed incorrect,” the DFFE stated.

Dr. George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, plans to engage with the team to reaffirm his support and commitment to their well-being.

“He emphasizes the need for careful management to ensure comfort for those at the base and their families,” added the DFFE.

“The team’s willingness to engage in Wellness Programme interventions, in addition to professional and independent counseling, will aid in developing a solution.

“The primary goal is to ensure the safety and health of everyone at SANAE IV, as they work together as a team to advance the vital scientific work being carried out in Antarctica.”

The DFFE highlighted its long and proud history of managing logistics and scientific support for South Africa’s National Antarctic Programme (SANAP).

South Africa stands as the only African nation with a presence in Antarctica, a continent known for its extreme weather conditions, housing numerous overwintering staff at the scientific base (SANAE IV) for approximately 13 months.

This Programme began in the 1960s and has produced valuable scientific data for over 50 years.

Discussing the team selection process, the DFFE stated: “Due to the harsh conditions in Antarctica, we follow a meticulous recruitment process for individuals willing to endure such confined and challenging living situations.”

“Throughout recruitment, candidates undergo assessments of their technical skills, psychological profiles, medical histories, and interpersonal relationship histories.”

The DFFE mandates that every individual considered for an interview must undergo a confidential psychometric evaluation to ensure they can handle isolation and coexist with others in the confined environments of the bases.

“Only candidates with satisfactory outcomes from all evaluations will be considered for appointment,” stated the DFFE.

The selected overwintering team members have opportunities for team-building exercises and training to foster relationships before the departure of the SA Agulhas II, the principal transport vessel to the scientific bases.

“Despite thorough assessments revealing no red flags, it is not uncommon for individuals to require an initial adjustment period upon arriving in such extremely remote locations,” the DFFE concluded.