By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has launched an investigation into claims of serious misconduct at South Africa’s Antarctic research station, SANAE IV.
This follows a Sunday Times report on disciplinary issues among overwintering team members at the remote base.
The publication reported the team is reportedly trapped with a colleague who has become violent.
A man has reportedly carried out a physical and a sexual assualt with “deeply disturbing” behavior, leaving his coworkers fearing for their own safety.
In a statement, the department confirmed being alerted to the alleged assault on February 27, after the SA Agulhas II vessel had left to return home after delivering the overwintering team, which is due to spend another year together.
A separate case of sexual harassment, involving the same team member and a second victim, is also being investigated, the department said.
DFFE says that candidates undergo thorough background checks, including psychological assessments, medical evaluations, and interpersonal relationship screenings.
Only those who meet all criteria are selected for the mission.
Before deployment, team members participate in training and team-building exercises to ensure they can handle the isolation and stress of Antarctic conditions.
The DFFE has emphasised that no previous issues were reported among the current overwintering team before their departure aboard the SA Agulhas II on February 1, 2025.
However, an incident was officially reported on February 27, 2025, prompting immediate intervention.
Following the allegations, the DFFE activated its crisis response plan, deploying trained professionals to mediate and restore stability at the base.
The department maintains that it has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and is actively addressing the situation.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, and Director-General Nomfundo Tshabalala are personally overseeing the case.
The accused individual has reportedly cooperated with further psychological evaluations, expressed remorse, and issued a formal apology to the victim.
The DFFE have also, in parallel, activated a labour relations process to deal with the matter as it relates to the alleged physical assault. Alleged sexual harassment is also being investigated. Reports of sexual assault are not correct, it said.