Charting New Waters: Zee Mfaku’s Field Experience with SAPRI’s Ocean Monitoring Mission, Algoa Bay

12 Jun 2026 | By Leila Nefdt,Zizipho Mfaku
12 Jun 2026 | By Leila Nefdt,Zizipho Mfaku

In the month of June, the NRF-SAEON Egagasini Node recently completed a successful field trip, from 17–19 June 2026, focusing on strengthening ocean and atmospheric monitoring capabilities. The SAPRI Polar team represented by Research Assistant, Zizipho (Zee) Mfaku and SAPRI’s Senior Technician Tlhonolofatso Tebele, together with collaborating partners, installed a weather station on the R/V Observer and deployed six SOFAR Ocean Spotter buoys offshore of Algoa Bay, Eastern Cape.

Zee - SAPRI
Figure 1. Installation of the weather station on the RV Observer, facilitated by the skipper, Koos Smith.

Aboard the R/V Observer, the weather station (Figure 1) will provide continuous measurements of atmospheric conditions, including temperature, humidity, wind, and pressure. The buoys will collect valuable data on waves, ocean conditions, and the weather at sea (Figure 2).

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Figure 2. (a) Transport of the buoys from Nelson Mandela University to the Mandela Bay Harbour, (b) transported bouys on the RV Observer and (c) prior to deployment, system checks were performed, and protective lids were removed onboard to verify that all components were functioning correctly.


The deployment was carried out in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University, SAEON staff, and vessel skipper Koos Smith. In addition to supporting long-term ocean observation efforts, the field trip provided valuable hands-on training and learning opportunities for participating researchers and technicians.

Zee further shares, “As part of my research assistant journey, I look forward to more opportunities like this that will further develop my technical skills, collaboration skills, and understanding of the work undertaken by SAPRI. These experiences provide valuable exposure to SAPRI’s activities, infrastructure, and partnerships, while also contributing to my professional growth within the marine research space.

This successful deployment contributes to ongoing efforts to improve marine monitoring and enhance understanding of South Africa's coastal and offshore environments. To find out more information, check out SAPRI’s communication platforms and website.