uMhlanga teenager delights in Antarctic conservation adventure

IT was the conservation adventure of a lifetime for uMhlanga teen Keira King who recently returned from Antarctica.

Keira, a Crawford International La Lucia learner, joined four other learners from around the country and renowned explorer Riaan Manser on the adventure dubbed ‘Matrics in Antarctica’.

The initiative was created to help inspire young people to learn about how they can make a difference to the environment in their communities.

The adventure was meant to be six days long, however, adverse weather conditions in Antarctica delayed the trip by a week, meaning the team had fewer days on the most remote continent on Earth.

Also read: uMhlanga’s bright spark behind the Trail of Lights

Despite this, Keira said the experience was life-changing.

“As a group we really bonded while waiting for the go-ahead in Cape Town. We got to visit Table Mountain and go on a few nature hikes. It was awesome. When we got the call that we would be leaving for Antarctica, the excitement really set in. Despite it being only a few days, it still felt like we’d been there a week. I think it also had something to do with the sun never setting. During summer in Antarctica, the sky is never dark. I think I only got six hours of sleep in total. The weather was actually moderate; there was a little of a chill factor, but December is mild,” Keira explained.

“The experience of getting to install solar panels at the Novolazarevskaya base camp (Novo), a hike through an ice tunnel and testing water around the camp was just incredible. I got to drink water from an ice river which was really special. Riaan was so awesome and just made this trip unforgettable. Hearing the others share stories on conservation was also affirming, knowing there are others fighting to save the planet and keep this part of the world pristine.”

As the only person from KwaZulu-Natal and Durban, Keira said she was honoured to have been chosen.

Keira also got the opportunity to raise funds for the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) while in Antarctica.

Watch: Durban North paddler has magical encounter with pod of dolphins

“A few of us walked through the night around 13km on the runway that links to the station. One of our mentors actually walked 50km which was incredible.”

This also tied in with a fundraiser Keira completed last year where she paddled 46km from Salmon Bay in Ballito to uShaka Pier in Durban on a long-distance prone board.

Incredibly, she raised R51 266 through her Paddle4Penguins initiative.

“That was just unreal. I wanted to get to R50 000 before the close of 2023. Before I left for Antarctica, I had just gone beyond the R46 000 mark, and I felt I’d reached a standstill in terms of fundraising. The generosity of the people really shone through, and I ended the year with just a little over R51 000 for SANCCOB.”

Speaking on her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Keira encouraged learners to apply for the Matrics in Antarctica programme.

“Without a doubt, I’d encourage learners from Durban and the province to apply. It really is life-changing and something I’ll never forget.”

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.