06 August 2019

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) invites members of the media to an exclusive tour of the SA Agulhas II on the 8^th of August 2019, in East London.

The Open Day tour will give the media an opportunity to explore the ship while on a guided tour, from its state of the art laboratories, to the bridge and lounge area, which is dedicated to the late South African music icon, Miriam Makeba.

There will also be exhibitions by the department and its stakeholders where the Department’s work in the ocean and coastal environment will be explored.

The SA Agulhas II is a South African icebreaking polar supply and research ship owned by the Department. Construction of the vessel was launched in September 2010 and built by STX Finland in Rauma, to replace the aging SA Agulhas, which was retired from the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP)  duty, but is fulfilling a training role with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) since 2012. Unlike her predecessor, SA Agulhas II was designed from the beginning to carry out both scientific research and supply South African research stations in the Antarctic.

After the media tour there will be an opportunity for interviews and engagement with senior officials from the Department.

Date: 08 August 2019
Venue: Port of East London, Hely Hutchinson Road, East London
Time: 11:00

To RSVP contact:
Tshego Letshwiti
Cell: 076 307 9634
E-mail: tletshwiti@environment.gov.za or

Gaopalelwe Moroane
Cell: 063 697 9001
E-mail: gmoroane@environment.gov.za

For media inquiries contact:
Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
E-mail: znqayi@environment.gov.za