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Introduction
2 December 1991 was the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the Antarctic Treaty. For all the nations who are party to the Treaty this is an auspicious achievement, particularly for the original 12 Consultative Parties, which include South Africa.
The publication of this Special Issue of the South African Journal of Antarctic Research commemorates the 30 years of South African commitment to the Treaty. It attempts to provide a record of South African activities, science and involvement during the period leading up to (i e the International Geophysical Year) and after the Treaty's coming into force. The articles that have been solicited therefore document the historical achievements of South African endeavour in the region.
As Editor of the Special Issue, I would like to thank all my colleagues who have given so freely of their valuable time to provide ar- ticles and in supporting my often clumsy attempts at their compilation into a sensible format. In particular, I would also like to place on record my appreciation for the efforts of the Journal's editorial staff. especially the Editor in Chief (Prof J R E Lutjeham1s). the Edi- torial Committee, the Technical Editor (Miss J W de Klerk) and her Administrative Assistant (Mrs A van Deventer). Finally, I firmly believe that the entire Issue should be dedicated to that intangible "spirit'' which Antarctica evokes and which has inspired generations of South African men and women with a dedication to excellence that has characterised this nation's involvement in matters Antarctic.
D e nzil G M M iller
Editor - SAJAR Special Issue Cape Town
2 December 1991
76 S. Afr. T. Nav. Antarkt., Vol 21 No 2, 1991
