Sedzani Manamela: Quiet Leadership Rooted in Teamwork and Impact
With six years of experience in natural science collections, Sedzani Manamela has found her rhythm in the often unseen but critical work of data input and digitisation at the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Currently working within SANBI’s Data Team, Sedzani plays a central role in the Mass Digitisation Project, helping to bring botanical collections to life in digital form.
Her journey began with a deep love for nature and a BSc Honours in Botany.
“What motivates me is knowing that we’re making a difference in the natural science field,” she says. “It’s meaningful work.”
Leading Through Precision and Partnership
Sedzani describes her leadership style as collaborative, emphasising teamwork and a strong focus on accuracy. Though she doesn’t yet hold a formal leadership role, she’s been recognised for her initiative and commitment, having participated in NSCF workshops and outreach programmes.
Her hope for the Emerging Leaders Workshop is to gain practical leadership skills that can help her support her team more effectively.
“I want to become more adaptable—able to stay calm under pressure and adjust to change with a positive attitude,” she says.
She credits a previous workshop for already shaping her professional growth. “It helped me learn how to communicate more effectively and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset.”
Bridging the Divide Between Scientists and Technicians
One of Sedzani’s boldest ideas for improving the sector is to rebuild the Herbarium Forum, a space where technicians and scientists come together as equals to address shared challenges.
“I’d like to see a work environment where no one feels more or less important,” she says. “We need platforms where we collaborate, not compete.”
Vlogs, Games, and Unposted Influencer Moments
Outside of work, Sedzani finds joy in reorganising her home and creating vlogs—though she laughingly admits she never posts them. “I make them as though I’m an influencer,” she confesses, “but they’re just for me.” She’s looking forward to the lighter side of the workshop too—hoping to have braais and fun games like tug of war and 30 Seconds. Her favourite quote captures her quietly determined approach:
“If you do what you’ve always done, you will get what you’ve always gotten.” — Tony Robbins
As she continues to grow within her role and the collections community, Sedzani Manamela is a reminder that leadership can be steady, humble, and grounded in the service of something bigger.