André Harms - Mechanical Engineer &Team Leader

“I am the team leader and mechanical engineer; it's a dream come true being here!”

Tyrell Sassen - Electronic Engineer & Deputy Leader

“I am the electronic engineer and deputy team leader and am really enjoying this beautiful place.”

Ryno Jordaan - Electrical Engineer

"S49 Electrical Engineer and Master Igloo Builder”

Johan Nortje - Diesel Mechanic

“I was born and raised in Johannesburg. I am a Diesel Mechanic, currently in Antarctica, with the S49 overwintering team. I am 52 years old, married to my loving wife Susan for nearly thirty years. I have three children and four grandchildren.”

Marlon Manko - Diesel Mechanic

“Hi, I am Marlon Manko, one of the diesel mechanics for the SANAE 49 2010 team. To experience the elements as I have thus far is amazing. The profound effect that the environment has had on me, and the way in which it has altered my way of thinking, has been life changing. This experience will play a big part in my growth for the future.
I never really understood what people meant by “you will never look at the world the same after you have lived the dream of many people”. This is really a once in a life time opportunity for me and I plan to cherish it always.
My quote: 'the foot-prints you leave behind are not always to show people where you are going, but to remind yourself where you came from'.
God speed to one and all, especially to my team-mates for a good year and a safe return to all our loved ones.”

Lowellen Clarke - Doctor

is chilling...

Robert Schoeman - Meteorologist

“I am the meteorologist for SANAE 49. This has been an absolutely amazing opportunity for me, to be part of this incredible adventure... an adventure that I will never forget.”

Etienne Kruger - Cosmic Ray Scientist

“I am the SANAE49 Cosmic Ray Scientist and am enjoying Antarctica while you are stuck in the office...”

Roger van Schie - Radar Engineer

“I am Roger van Schie radar engineer for the SANAE 49 team for 2010. I am missing the office…NOT!!!!!

James Hayes - Space Weather Engineer

“It has been an exhilarating journey so far, and I have been greatly privileged with my appointment as the Space Weather Engineer for the 2010 over-wintering expedition. I have a deep love for my country, and all of its people. My inner constitution harbours a steely belief that I can make a difference and improve the state of my community, and I eagerly anticipate that as a consequence of this year in isolation, I will return to South Africa with more mature insights on my place within its complex society. I have always been moved by Nature, and find joy in its simplicity over here in Antarctica. I enjoy making music, but revere the silence of this continent. I consider this expedition to be one of the most significant experiences I have encountered in my brief 26 years on this planet.”

Lötter Kock - Electrical Engineer & Team Leader

Can not get enough of the outdoors – what better place to be then?

Alan Huang - Electronic Engineer and Deputy Leader

I was born in Taiwan but grew up in Pretoria. Ever since I was small, I've been living between the two worlds of Africa and Asia. As a result, I'm deeply in love with traveling and always curious at what's on the other side of the ocean.

Whilst studying engineering at the University of Pretoria, I came across with a half-an hour guest speaker lecture on SANAE. This half-an hour lecture planted the seed of coming to Antarctica and SANAE. Needless to say, this dream has always been at the back of my head and never died.

After finishing my studies and worked in the field of telecommunications for three years, I decided to pursue this dream and here I am, in Antarctica!

I'm the communications officer/electronics engineer responsible for SANAE's satellite, radio, local networks, computer and telephone systems.

Joanna Thirsk - Medical Doctor

I was born in Johannesburg and matriculated from St Mary’s School in 1999.

As the daughter of an airline pilot I developed a firm love of travel from an early age. Seeking to combine my interests in both the humanities and science, I studied medicine at the University of Cape Town, graduating in 2005.

Since then I have been working in various hospitals both in Johannesburg and Cape Town and have developed a special interest in emergency and wilderness medicine. I intend on eventually specialising as a paediatric emergency physician.

Eager to use my profession to see more of the world, I wanted to join an expedition as a doctor and SANAE 48 presented the perfect opportunity.

My interests include reading, music, travel, sailing and nature/the outdoors. To find out more about me check out my profile on Facebook under “Jo Thirsk” or visit my blog: www.gonesouth.co.za

Willie Nel - Mechanical Engineer

Willie is from Marloth Park. Temperatures from 50C to Sanae -50C.

Charl van Aardt - Diesel Mechanic

Hi, ek is die een diesel mech vir S48 die jaar hier op SANAE en ex Marion 64.

Dit is ‘n groot droom wat waar geword het vir my en ek hoop die jaar sal net die beste ooit wees. Die voertuie is meestal my babas en ek hoop om soveel moontlik te leer van hierdie wit paradys wat ons huis is vir ‘n jaar.

As julle nog nie hier was nie, maak ‘n plan om te kom. Julle sal nooit spyt wees nie! 

Nole Green - Diesel Mechanic

Nole was born in Stellenbosch and grew up in Wellington, the heart of the Boland.

After completed his Diesel Mechanic Trade Diploma at the Training Centre for Artisans, Bellville South, he joined the SANDF. He enjoyed 16 years of his life in the South African Army.

He learnt of Antarctica, Marion Island and Gough Island expeditions when he was at the Army Battle School in Lohathla, Postmasburg. As a Warrant Officer in the S.A. Army, it was a difficult decision for him to quit his soldier career. But nevertheless, he couldn't believe his eyes when he explore the beauty of the  wildlife and  nature when got to Marion Island in April  2000 for his 1st over-wintering expedition. Since then the journey started.

This is now his 6th over-wintering expedition and he is looking forward to his 6th snow bath on his birthday, the 27th of January 2010. Three expeditions on Antarctica, two on Marion Island and one on Gough Island.

Johan Jamneck - Senior Meteorologist

Born and raised on the highveld, Jo-burg to be exact. After matric I had the opportunity to experience four very social years at the university of the North-West before I became involved in the SANAP program.

My year on Marion, the jewel of the southern Ocean, (M64) was the most profound and life altering experience so far for me as a young man, and as the old saying goes:"One good turn deserves another" so the logical thing was to sign up for another expedition. I have always had a fascination with the old "Terra incognita" so I was overwhelmed when the news arrived that I have been given the rare opportunity to lay eyes on the white continent.

I have a healthy interest in all things wild and wonderful in this world of ours. Also keen on photography and reading. I am the meteorologist on SANAE during the S48 overwintering expedition of 2009."

Erick Minnie - Cosmic Ray Scientist/Engineer

I started my studies in Computer Systems Engineering at the Vaal Triangle Technicon in Klerksdorp. 2 years later I decided to go for a full-blown B.Eng: Computer-Electronic Engineering qualification at the PU for CHE in Potchefstroom, and after 5 years I got the opportunity to go to Antarctica.

It was more than pure luck, because so little people were interested to go and do what I had to do down there. So I first visited the continent and SANAE IV in the take-over of 2007-2008 where I had a brief introduction to what I was supposed to do in the following year. After I returned to the RSA, I met the love of my life, Mariné, whom I love very dearly and miss very terribly while I spend my year with a bunch of great team mates in SANAE 48. Everything I do, I do for Mariné and live my life for her, and so I got the chance of also doing my Master’s in Electronic Engineering, ensuring a promising future for the both of us.

Mariné, I love you, and I miss you, and now it’s not even a year before I come back to you my Love!

In the meantime, I concentrate on keeping things running for the Unit for Space Physics at the North-West University, including the neutron monitors we have here, as well as monitoring the magnetic field activity, aurora recordings, riometer recordings and the monitoring of the local seismometer we have running for the CTBTO.

Keith Browne - Radar Engineer

As a West-coast boy Keith matured roaming around the hills of Namaqualand as a magnificent specimen of human being, with an appreciation of vast open spaces and desert environements.

After many years at Stellenbosch University being a professional student in electronic enigneering, the call of the ultimate desert - Antarctica - became to strong and Keith responded by joining the SANAP program.

Keith's main responsibility at SANAE IV is to nurture the SuperDARN radar, so that the radar continues to provide valuable scientific data to the international space physics community.

Rory Meyer - Space Weather Scientist/Engineer

I'm in charge of the Hermanus Magnetic Observatory's magnetic sensors and GPS scintillation receiver. I also give the University of KwaZulu Natal a hand when their data collecting equipment gives trouble.

The scientific data that this station gives on ionospheric and magnetic activity is well worth the effort taken getting here.

Despite being the youngest I was given the role of team crocodile wrestler, secondary soup maker, first team sauna goalie, DI measurement king, lime juice taster and the only person on team who can say GPS ionospheric scintillation with a straight face.

Even with all these responsibilities I make time to go outside and enjoy the scenery often taking my camera with me.