eNews

#02 2025

Around Africa Expedition outreach programmes lay the groundwork for sustained regional and global impact

By Thomas Mtontsi and Kogie Govender, NRF-SAEON

The Around Africa Expedition (link to research article), led by global ocean exploration non-profit organisations OceanX and the newly established OceanQuest, is a pioneering collaborative expedition along the African coastline and an endorsed action programme of the United Nations Ocean Decade framework (2021–2030). 

The initiative aims to contribute to capacity building and scientific understanding of the ocean, marking a pivotal moment in ocean exploration and scientific research. Working with NRF-SAEON’s environmental science education team during the first science leg, the expedition engaged learners through educational outreach programmes.  

Ship-to-shore live streaming

On 10 February, a group of Cape Town high school learners had the thrilling opportunity to join a live-streamed session from the OceanXplorer as the team onboard were conducting a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dive on Walters Shoal seamount. In real time, the learners engaged with scientists onboard, asking questions and witnessing the excitement first hand as the scientists saw the seabed at Walters Shoal and collected targeted specimens.

Inland learners and educators exploring the OceanXplorer (Image: OceanX)

From the mission control room, the co-chief scientist, Dr Lara Atkinson, led the team as the ROV explored the northernmost section of the seamount. Sinothando Shibe of SANParks led the learners on a virtual guided tour of the vessel, while Thabo Mbuyazi of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) emphasised the critical importance of maintaining high standards for scientific equipment.

The learners also explored the wet labs, where they were introduced to NRF-SAIAB molecular scientist Jody Oliver. Additionally, the learners were shown the high-resolution map of the Walters Shoal Seamount created onboard by the OceanXplorer mapping team to facilitate safe deployment of the ROV, as presented by OceanQuest geologist and co-chief scientist, Dr Nico Augustin. This unique experience brought the wonders of deep-sea exploration to life, sparking curiosity and inspiring the next generation of ocean scientists.

The participating learners and educators were from the following high schools: Luhlaza, Ocean View, Bulumko, Masiphumelele and Usasazo. NRF-SAEON’s science engagement officer, Thomas Mtontsi, hosted the learners and educators at the Egagasini Node offices in Cape Town.

Summary poster showcasing the ship-to-shore live-streaming event that took place on 10 February. (Image: OceanX)

Notes written by the high school learners to thank the OceanX team. (Image: Dipuo Masebe)

Blue Schools high school event  

Fourteen learners and six educators from inland schools (Kimberley, Soweto, Johannesburg, Thohoyandou and Maputoland) attended a marine science workshop where the Egagasini Node’s science engagement officer, Thomas Mtontsi, set the scene with a session that sought to establish the relationship of the inland school group with the oceans. This included insights on the role that the oceans play in the life of human beings and the impact humans have on the oceans.

The learners were further introduced to the different robotic instruments used in the ocean by Jethan D’Hotman, a senior technician at the South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI), and how these instruments collect data autonomously. Learners were also shown how to access the data online and use these data for research projects linked to the Blue Schools project.

To enable the learners to gain a deeper understanding of the data-collecting instruments, they visited Sea Technology Services, a Cape Town-based company specialising in oceanographic engineering and services, to gain insight into various ocean observation instruments. They explored a range of technologies including argo floats, gliders and the benthic towed video camera system, Ski-Monkey, gaining an understanding of the differences between these technologies and the sensors integrated within their electronic systems. Engaging with oceanographic engineers further enhanced the learners’ knowledge and understanding of these advanced instruments.

The next part of the workshop was facilitated by the Egagasini Node’s Dr Lara Atkinson and Jordan van Stavel, who shared their experiences onboard the OceanXplorer and took learners on a virtual voyage by introducing them to the science conducted on the research vessel and the impressive instruments that were used to collect the data. This workshop provided an excellent background to the learners’ tour of the OceanXplorer, during which they asked the facilitators many interesting questions. Learners were also taken on an educational tour of the Two Oceans Aquarium and enjoyed seeing many of the local marine species showcased there.

The evening programme included a workshop on Python Coding and data visualisation with Nkululeko Memela, a SOMISANA junior modeller. The evening ended with a sunset walk on the beach at Blouberg Strand, the first time that most of the inland learners were able to connect physically with the ocean.

In addition to the inland learners who enjoyed a guided tour onboard the OceanXplorer while it was berthed in Cape Town port, approximately 160 more individuals – including learners, researchers, students, professionals, members of the public and high-level decision-makers – were welcomed onboard and guided through the various sections and facilities of the vessel.

Related content: SAEON Egagasini Node leads collaborative deep-sea exploration in African waters onboard the OceanXplorer (link to article)