South Africa has been involved in Antarctica since it signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, and it is currently the only African country to have a presence on the continent. South Africa maintains bases on the Antarctic mainland as well as on Marion and Gough Islands. The research conducted in Antarctica covers a broad spectrum of research disciplines, from physics and engineering to oceanography and biodiversity.
The strategic and scientific value of the Antarctic resulted in the establishment of the South African National Antarctic Programme (SANAP), which ensures that South Africa remains party to informed decision-making on matters in the region. SANAP's mission is to increase our understanding of the natural environment and life in the Antarctic and Southern Oceans through appropriate science and technology.