The environment ministry claimed on Wednesday that the situation at South Africa’s remote Antarctica facility is under control following claims of sexual harassment and assault that led to high-level government action.
After The Sunday Times newspaper initially reported on friction and harassment within the small personnel, a ministry spokesman told AFP that Environment Minister Dion George maintains tight communication with base staff.
According to the official, George is in a “calm and all is under control” condition.
For a journey that would last roughly 13 months, the nine-person research team set sail for Antarctica on February 1 from Cape Town.
The Sunday Times stated that one of the team members claimed that another had “threatened to kill” and “physically assaulted” a colleague.
The ministry said that while reports of sexual assault were false, allegations of physical assault and sexual harassment are being looked into. There was no need to repatriate any team members as a result of the incidents.
George declared Tuesday, “I am considering available options. Our team of psychologists and other experts is in direct and constant contact with the team.”
