On thin ice: Minister says reports of sexual assault at SA's Antarctica base are false

Dan Corder on CapeTalk Afternoon Drive interviews Dion George, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

Listen below:

Over 4,000 kilometres from home, a group of South African researchers at the Sanae IV research station in Antarctica is calling for assistance after one member allegedly attacked and threatened to kill another.

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George clarifies that the incident stemmed from a verbal altercation between two team members over a task that needed to be completed.

He explains that the situation escalated, eventually resulting in a physical assault.

"Not serious injuries, the doctor attended to them and that was okay."

- Dion George, Minister – Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Despite some misleading reports in the media, George emphasises that there was no sexual assault involved.

However, he confirms there was an allegation of sexual harassment against the same individual.

According to George, the department responded swiftly, with a team of psychologists and experts addressing the matter "right at the very outset".

He further notes that the person involved in both the assault and harassment underwent an additional psychological evaluation "very willingly".

Due to the severe weather conditions in Antarctica, planes cannot easily land at the station.

Nonetheless, George gave his assurance that the department is "considering every option available" to ensure the physical and psychological safety of all personnel at the base.

"We have managed to calm the situation as much as possible."

- Dion George, Minister – Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.