This year’s Open Day of the S.A. Agulhas II, hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), took place in Durban following the return of South Africa’s very own research and logistics vessel from sub-Antarctic Marion Island. For over a decade, the S.A. Agulhas II has made a tradition of stopping in one of South Africa’s coastal cities, usually in May, after completing its annual Marion Island relief expedition. Each visit offers the public a rare and memorable opportunity to explore this iconic vessel.
In 2025, the people of Durban were invited aboard the S.A. Agulhas II for an unforgettable Open Day experience. This event provided an exciting opportunity for school learners, science enthusiasts, and curious citizens to step aboard this mighty ship and experience firsthand the incredible work researchers and scientists do in the marine offshore environment and the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions.
The S.A. Agulhas II at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban, South Africa
From Relief Voyage to Public Showcase
Before the Open Day festivities begin, the S.A. Agulhas II embarks on its annual Relief Voyage to Marion Island between April and May. This mission, led by the DFFE, ensures that the island’s research station and the field huts are stocked with essential supplies, including food and fuel. The voyage also marks the bittersweet transition period known as “Take Over,” where one research team bids farewell while a new team arrives to continue with the important scientific observations aimed at conservation.
The S.A. Agulhas II arriving at Marion Island in April 2024 (Photo: Rabia Mathakutha).
Such a moment recently marked the return of SAPRI’s very first overwintering team (M81) of marine mammal and seabird field researchers, who had spent 13 months on remote, sub-Antarctic Marion Island. As part of SAPRI’s long-term monitoring of top predators, the team, Rhiannon Gill (Seabird Field Researcher), Megan Clarkson (Killer Whale and Seal Field Researcher), Dylan Manyoka, and Peter Cunningham (Seal Field Researchers), returned home aboard the S.A. Agulhas II. They now hand over their duties to the incoming SAPRI M82 overwintering team for the 2025/2026 season, who will carry forward the critical work of long-term ecological monitoring on the island.
The SAPRI Marion Island overwintering team (M81) aboard the S.A. Agulhas II from Marion Island in May 2024. L-R: Dylan Manyoka, Megan Clarkson, Rhiannon Gill and Peter Cunningham.
To learn more about SAPRI’s long-term monitoring of top predators on Marion Island and why this work is important, click here.
A Celebration of Science and Community
One of the standout exhibitors at the event was the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI). Representing SAPRI this year were Rabia Mathakutha, Yinhla Shihlomule, Abuyiselwe A. Nguna, and the returning M81 team, who enthusiastically engaged with visitors, sharing insights into polar research and the infrastructure that supports it. SAPRI’s booth was jointly hosted with the NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node and the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA), offering a rich and integrated perspective on South Africa’s marine offshore and polar science efforts.
The SAPRI and NRF-SAEON exhibit at the S.A. Agulhas II Open Day, also showcasing the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA), manned by (L-R): Yinhla Shihlomule, Rabia Mathakutha, and Abuyiselwe Nguna.
The Open Day kicked off with dedicated school learner sessions on 22–23 May 2025, where young minds had the chance to dive into the world of Antarctic and oceanic research. Later, on the 23rd, Deputy Minister Singh hosted a cocktail function aboard the S.A. Agulhas II, bringing together key stakeholders and exhibitors for an evening of networking and appreciation. Finally, on 24 May 2025, it was time for the general public to marvel at the sheer beauty and grandeur of this remarkable vessel.
School learners lining up to board and tour the S.A. Agulhas II at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban.
The SAPRI team (Abuyiselwe, Dylan and Peter) interact with school learners at the SAPRI exhibit booth during the S.A. Agulhas II Open Day in Durban
The SAPRI exhibit drew considerable interest from attendees eager to learn about South Africa’s role in the polar regions. A highlight for many was the chance to meet members of the returning Marion Island SAPRI overwintering team (M81), who shared stories of their time as field researchers on the island.
Visitors, including school learners and the broader public, expressed pride and admiration for South Africa’s contributions to polar science. They were inspired by the career possibilities in this field and captivated by the immersive virtual reality experience offered at the SAPRI booth, which provided a simulated journey through the remote polar regions in which SAPRI and DFFE operate, through SAPRI’s virtual reality headsets.
Learners try on the Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to experience what it’s like to do fieldwork in the remote polar regions.
(L-R): Abuyiselwa, Yinhla, Rhiannon and Megan engage the public at the SAPRI exhibit booth during the S.A. Agulhas II Open Day.
The exhibit also drew the attention of DFFE Minister Dr. Dion George, who personally experienced the SAPRI virtual reality tour and applauded the use of innovative tools to foster public engagement with science.
The DFFE Minister, Dr. Dion George, visits the SAPRI exhibit booth and tries on the VR headset during the S.A. Agulhas II Open Day
The DFFE Deputy Miniter, Mr. Narend Singh, addresses learners at the S.A. Agulhas II Open Day in Durban.
Exploring “Africa’s Only Ice Breaker”
For the visitors who step aboard, it was a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Africa’s only icebreaker. From the impressive Bridge (the ship’s control hub) to the living quarters and cutting-edge research labs, the Open Day experience offers an in-depth look at life on a vessel built for cutting edge science. Guests even get a glimpse of the helicopters that accompany each voyage, an essential part of the ship’s logistical operations.
Guests touring the S.A. Agulhas II and learning about instruments used in oceanographic sampling (led by the DFFE personnel)
More Than Just a Ship – A Symbol of Exploration
The S.A. Agulhas II isn’t just a research vessel; it’s a symbol of discovery, scientific excellence, and adventure. Whether replenishing supplies in the icy waters of Marion Island or opening its decks to curious visitors, the ship continues to play a vital role in South Africa’s commitment to research, conservation, and education.
As another successful Open Day comes to an end, one thing is certain, this ship will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and dreamers for many years to come.
Abuyiselwe Nguna, Yinhla Shihlomule and Rabia Mathakutha, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 30 June 2025
