FROM MPUMALANGA TO THE DEEP BLUE: HOW A LEARNER SAILED INTO SCIENCE ON THE SA AGULHAS II

The Alphas and Alpharines Foundation (AAF) proudly celebrates one of our exceptional young achievers, Sanele Matsane, a 2025 winner of the Blue Planet Competition. Her remarkable journey from a school in Mpumalanga to the decks and laboratories of South Africa's world-class polar research vessel, the SA Agulhas II, is a powerful reminder that groundbreaking science is not only for coastal learners; our inland provinces are full of brilliance waiting to be unleashed. Sanele joined the June 2025 SEA-Mester voyage as part of her Blue Planet prize. Her 10-day voyage at sea, captured in her reflective account, showcases her curiosity, courage, and the transformative power of access and opportunity.

A LIFE-CHANGING SCIENTIFIC ADVENTURE

Onboard the SA Agulhas II, Sanele stepped fully into the role of a young ocean scientist. Assigned to the Oceans in a Changing Climate team, she participated in sampling different parts of the ocean and discovering underwater ecosystems she had only ever encountered in Life Sciences lessons.

Seeing deep-sea sponges, starfish and other fascinating organisms up close was a moment she describes as "magical", especially for someone seeing the ocean environment scientifically for the very first time.

She also used the CTD - a specialised instrument that collects water at different depths to study temperature, salinity and microscopic ocean life. This exposed her to real-world scientific tools used by oceanographers and climate researchers.

DETERMINATION AGAINST THE WAVES

Like many first-time voyagers, Sanele experienced two tough days of seasickness but her determination shone through. She chose resilience over discomfort, refusing to let anything stop her from learning, participating and enjoying the full scientific experience.

CONFIDENCE, DISCOVERY AND NEW DREAMS

The SA Agulhas II did not only offer science - it offered growth. Sanele built friendships with learners from across South Africa, worked alongside top scientists, and presented her scientific findings near the end of the voyage.

As she reflects: "This was by far the best experience I have ever had. I discovered new things, met new people, and explored careers I never knew existed."

Her words embody the mission of AAF: exposure, access, and opportunity.

A MESSAGE TO MPUMALANGA & ALL INLAND SCHOOLS: THE OCEAN NEEDS YOU TOO

The Blue Planet Competition was designed to ensure that learners from inland provinces; Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng, Free State, North West are not left behind in marine and climate science opportunities.

Sanele's success proves that young ocean scientists can come from any township, village, or town in South Africa, even hundreds of kilometres from the coastline.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE NEXT BLUE PLANET COMPETITION OPEN SOON!

Learners in Grades 9-12 from all inland public schools are encouraged to apply.

If you are passionate about:
🌍 Life Sciences
🌊 Geography
🔬 Experiments and research
📚 Climate change
💡 Innovation

...this competition is your gateway to world-class science.

You could be the next learner standing proudly on the SA Agulhas II - just like Sanele.

CONCLUSION

Sanele's journey from Mpumalanga to the open ocean celebrates everything we stand for - breaking barriers, nurturing dreams, and opening doors for futures that once felt impossible.

"Exposure. Access. Opportunity." - Always.

If you want this turned into a fully designed poster, magazine-style page, or a social-media-ready version, I can create it for you.

Alphas and Alpharines Foundation
Risana Avenue
Johannesburg
2197
Gauteng
SA

Makome Letsoalo: Communications Coordinator
info.aaf@octoberoctopus.co.za

AAF is dedicated to empowering young people through STEM exposure and opportunities. Through partnerships with the University of Cape Town, the Department of Science and Innovation, and the SA Agulhas II SEA-Mester programme, AAF ensures that rural and township learners gain access to life-changing scientific platforms.

This release was published on openPR.