An alleged assault at South Africa’s isolated Antarctica research base has made world headlines, as the government has made assurances that everything is under control, with a mediation process in place to restore relationships at the remote base, 170km inland of the Antarctic ice shelf.

The Sunday Times first reported on the matter this past Sunday, after they received an email from a member of the Sanae IV overwintering team, alleging that another team member had assaulted someone, and issued death threats to another person.

The email quoted by the paper, which removed all names, read:

“Regrettably, [his] behaviour has escalated to a point that is deeply disturbing. Specifically, he physically assaulted [name withheld], which is a grave violation of personal safety and workplace norms. Furthermore, he threatened to kill [name withheld], creating an environment of fear and intimidation. I remain deeply concerned about my own safety, constantly wondering if I might become the next victim.”

In response, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) says it immediately activated a response plan after the alleged assault was reported on 27 February 2025.

The Department says a mediation process has been ongoing on an almost daily basis in order to ensure that those on the base know that the Department is supportive and willing to do whatever is needed to restore the interpersonal relationships, but also firm in dealing with issues of discipline.

Minister Dion George says the alleged perpetrator has also willingly participated in further psychological evaluation, has shown remorse and is willing to cooperative to follow any interventions that are recommended.

“He has written a formal apology to the victim and is willing to verbally apologise to all members at the base. The Department has also implemented a longer-term sustained intervention process through trained professional counselling services in order to restore the relationships and build a healthy working environment.”

A Labour Relations process to deal with the matter has also been launched as it relates to the alleged physical assault. George says an alleged sexual harassment is also being investigated, but reports of sexual assault are incorrect.

Due to the extreme nature of the environment in Antarctica, the Department needs to follow a very rigorous process in the recruitment of individuals who are prepared to live in such confined and testing living conditions.

They have to undergo psychometric analysis to ensure they are able to cope with the isolation, and can work and live with others in the confined space of the bases.

The Department makes no mention of whether it is an option at this stage to bring any of the nine overwintering team members back to Cape Town.

Despite making it clear in a statement that it has “zero tolerance” for any misconduct that would affect the working and relationship conditions at the SANAE IV, the crew will not be brought back.

The Department seems to ascribe the alleged behaviour of the individual in question as an “initial adjustment to the environment.”

The SA Agulhas II delivered the nine crew at the base early in February 2025, and they are expected to spend the next year together.

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