SA-Antarctica saga: An SA team member investigated for physical assault, sexual harassment
A group of nine overwintering researchers is stationed in Antarctica for 13 months for climate research.
FILE: The South African National Antarctic Expedition research base, SANAE IV, at Vesleskarvet, Queen Maud Land, Antarctica. Picture: Dr Ross Hofmeyr, Wildmedic (talk) 14:41, 17 August 2008 (UTC) via Wikimedia Commons
JOHANNESBURG – A team member of South Africa’s research base in Antarctica is being investigated for physical assault and sexual harassment.
A group of nine overwintering researchers is stationed in Antarctica for 13 months for climate research.
The allegations rose over a week ago when the alleged assault happened.
Environment minister Dion George says a labour relations process is underway to tackle allegations of physical assault and sexual harassment- but says misreports of sexual assault have been corrected.
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In a statement last week - the minister said there were no incidents that required any of the nine overwintering team members to be brought back to Cape Town.
The minister says the individual involved has shown accountability, is willingly engaging in further psychological evaluations and is expressing remorse.
George says this moment matters deeply as winter grips Antarctica and other bases halt their operations South Africa’s base remains a vital hub for climate research.