“Let People Grow and They Will Surprise You”: Siya Calls for Systemic Change and Youth Empowerment in the Collections Sector
With a quiet determination and a decade of experience behind him, Siyabonga Zamisa plays a critical but often unsung role in South Africa’s natural science landscape. As Technician: Databases at the KwaZulu-Natal Museum, he works behind the scenes managing the institution’s natural science collections through the Specify database, ensuring the nation’s biodiversity data is clean, structured, and accessible for generations to come.
Armed with a BSc in Biological Sciences and a deep love for nature, Siya says working at a museum where natural science is the core function of the institution has been “an added bonus”. His journey into collections management has been shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to digital excellence. “I enjoy data management and publishing…with a future outlook of getting better with the backend of database creation and maintenance ,” he shares.
“There’s always something new you can do to improve the collection digitally.”
But pioneering in a field with few peers hasn’t been without its challenges. Siya’s work often requires him to teach himself new skills in a space where institutional knowledge is limited. “Some of the things are self-taught,” he admits, describing the steep learning curve of being one of the few museum-based database technicians in the country.
“There’s still so much I feel I need to learn when it comes to maintaining a collection digitally.”
A Measured Mentor, A Reluctant Leader
Despite often working alone, Siya has developed a thoughtful, inclusive leadership style. “Whenever I look after an intern, I try to give them space but still check in on them,” he says. With colleagues, he prefers a collaborative approach rooted in mutual understanding: “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so we tend to lead in that way.”
He recognises his own leadership potential, even if he sometimes drifts into the comfort zone. That’s why returning to the Emerging Leaders Workshop holds special meaning for him. “I want to learn more, implement new ideas, and ask better questions,” he says. His key goal this time around? Consistency! While the previous workshop inspired him to act, he knows that sustained effort is where real impact lies.
On Gatekeeping and Generational Change
Siya is vocal about the systemic challenges facing the collections sector. “For the NSCF’s work to bear fruit, we need change from the top to the bottom,” he says. He believes in empowering younger professionals, reducing bureaucratic barriers, and creating environments where people are trusted to succeed.
“There’s a lot of gatekeeping in these institutions. We need to be allowed to flourish.”
For Siyabonga, advocacy starts with showing up, being present, being consistent, and being willing to lead even in small ways. His advice? Let people grow, and they will surprise you.
Beyond the Database
Outside of work, Siya describes himself as shy but full of quiet passions: football, podcasts, walking, music, and time with family and friends. One of his favourite moments in this journey has been connecting with other young professionals in collections; spaces where “we share, grow, and learn more.”
With the workshop taking place in the Kruger National Park, he is most looking forward to seeing the Big Five and hoping to enjoy outdoor activities that bring the cohort closer together.
When asked for a quote that captures his outlook, Siya offers a simple but powerful one of his own: “LIVE.”