About Page

What is Matrics In Antarctica?

Matrics In Antarctica is an initiative created to help inspire young South African's, matric students specifically, to think about sustainability and how they can make a difference to the environment in their communities.

This initiative is supported by the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, and several sponsors who understand the need to educate young South Africans on conservation. This epic adventure is set to entice students to think about how our daily actions affect the environment and what changes we can make locally to challenge the effects of global warming and climate change.

You may be asking why a trip to Antarctica? The simple answer is that this great frozen landmass is vital to the ecosystem. Not only does it deflect some of the sun's rays from Earth, but it is also home to a number of species of sea life. Antarctica is directly affected by global warming, and in turn, the melting of these sheets of ice is causing sea levels to rise. This is a problem that many adults today will not have to contend with – which is why it is so important to educate our young people about conservation and sustainable practices.

We hosted the first Matrics in Antarctica competition in 2020 and had thousands of entries from passionate young students who wanted to make a difference and learn more about conservation. Our vision is to host this competition every year for the next five years to continue to drive awareness about this important topic. This year we hope to reach even more students and inspire them to do their bit to preserve our ecosystem and the world we live in.

The Protagonists

Riaan Manser

Riaan is a pioneering explorer with four World Firsts under his belt. His adventures have led him to the furthest corners of the globe. These experiences have given him an innate awareness of the world around him and how global warming and climate change impact the environment both locally and globally. This has sparked a passion in Riaan to do more to educate young people on conservation. Riaan understands that the youth are the future of South Africa. This is why educating young people and creating awareness around environmental issues and problems is so critical.

Professor Jonathan Jansen

Professor Jonathan Jansen is a world-renowned educator who started his career as a biology teacher in Cape Town. He currently holds the position of the Professor of Education at the University of Stellenbosch. He is also the President of the South African Academy of Science as well as the President of the South African Institute of Race Relations. Prof Jansen is passionate about the world around him and the education of young adults across several different subjects, including conservation. He is dedicated to this initiative and will be assisting the team in selecting the top five student essays.

What they say about us

testimonials

Boiketlo Lamula

"This was a once in a lifetime experience. We went from our everyday activities and the terrains of South Africa to experiencing the vast expanses of the white and blue ice of Antarctica. We camped, hiked, and explored this incredible ecosystem and got to experience some local hospitality. Throughout this trip, we were educated on the effects of global warming and how essential it is to preserve this precious ecosystem. It is an experience I will never forget."

Thea J Earnest

"This experience gave me more of an understanding of my responsibility as a global citizen in relation to preventing climate change and global warming. It also challenged me to think outside of the box and realise my potential and capabilities. Apart from developing a network of incredible, highly motivated and successful individuals, I was blessed with the opportunity to explore the most pristine environment in the world, Antarctica. The growth that I experienced in Antarctica over those six days, I did not experience in 18 years!"