Mandisa Ndlela: Driven by Curiosity, Grounded in Growth
For Mandisa Ndlela, a career in entomology didn’t start with a plan; it started with curiosity. “I began as a databasing intern knowing very little about the work,” she says. “But I was so fascinated, I just had to learn more.” That curiosity has since transformed into a full-time role at the KwaZulu-Natal Museum, where Mandisa now serves as an Entomology Research Technician with five years of experience and a BSc in Environmental Science.
From databasing and labelling to assisting in the field and managing loans, her role is central to the life cycle of scientific discovery. And though her work often happens behind the scenes, Mandisa’s passion is anything but quiet.
“I love going to the field, collecting new material, and being part of discovering new species. I also enjoy workshops and conferences; meeting new people and exchanging ideas.”
Empowering and Efficient
Mandisa describes her leadership style as empowering and collaborative, always working toward building a high-performing team through clear communication and shared goals. She creates structure in her day-to-day work by setting clear priorities and celebrating even small wins—a strategy that keeps her motivated even in the face of intense workloads.
One of her biggest challenges?
“Coming back from the field with thousands of specimens that need to be databased, labelled, and stored. It’s incredibly time-consuming—but I push through by working as efficiently as I can.”
Nominated for Her Potential and Her Passion
Mandisa believes she was nominated for the Emerging Leaders Workshop because of her proven skills, growing leadership potential, and deep interest in the natural science field. She hopes to walk away from the 2025 programme with new tools, creative approaches, and stronger problem-solving skills, especially in areas like research engagement and securing funding.
She values inclusivity, open communication, and collaboration and dreams of a sector where junior and senior staff engage more meaningfully, where mentoring is a shared responsibility, and where every team member, regardless of rank, has opportunities to contribute to research and innovation.
An Emerging Voice in Entomology
A standout memory in her career so far was travelling abroad to present a scientific paper on the female of Mesembrius ingratus (family Syrphidae)—a major milestone in her personal and professional journey.
In her free time, Mandisa dances, shops (when the budget allows!), and binge-watches her favourite series. And when life gets tough, she leans on the quote:
“If it’s meant to be, it will be.”
It’s a quiet reminder of her resilience and a belief that what is truly meant for her will come, even in the darkest moments.
With her mix of quiet tenacity, field expertise, and growing leadership voice, Mandisa Ndlela is not just watching the future of natural science collections take shape; she’s helping build it.