Nomcebo Ndlovu — Quiet Magic and Purposeful Leadership in Ornithology
In the heart of Durban’s Natural Science Museum, behind the quiet hum of specimen drawers and the meticulous rhythm of preservation, you’ll find Nomcebo Ndlovu, Technical Assistant in the Ornithology Department; a young professional whose journey into the world of collections is rooted in passion, curiosity, and a deep sense of purpose.
Nomcebo’s story is not one of sudden discovery but of meaningful steps, from volunteering at Johannesburg Zoo to her hands-on experience at Mitchell Park Zoo and later, the KZN Sharks Board. Each of these roles sharpened her interest in animal life, particularly birds, and laid the groundwork for a path she calls “a forever growing world of opportunities”. Today, her work spans across specimen preparation, data management, outreach, fieldwork, and administrative support, all with the quiet confidence of someone who knows she’s preserving more than just feathers and bones; she’s safeguarding stories.
“What I enjoy most is the quiet magic hidden in every drawer of the collection… There’s something profoundly humbling about holding a bird specimen collected decades before I was born, perfectly preserved, still telling its story.”
Her current role involves preparing bird specimens through techniques like skeletal preparation and taxidermy, cataloguing and curating the museum’s avian holdings, and actively engaging in public education. Whether she’s guiding a learner through the anatomy of a penguin skull or ensuring that each specimen is accurately documented, Nomcebo approaches her work with precision and empathy.
Despite her youth and the absence of a permanent curator in her department, she has stepped up to lead and support her team. This experience has shaped her leadership style: collaborative, inclusive, and grounded in humility. She fosters learning environments where interns and volunteers feel encouraged to ask questions, explore complex technical processes, and grow.
“Leadership is not limited to titles or authority. It’s often demonstrated through initiative, integrity, and support for others.”
Her resilience and self-motivation are evident in how she tackles challenges. From navigating procedural uncertainties to filling in knowledge gaps using NSCF resources like the Collections Management Manual, Nomcebo’s story is one of adaptability and a hunger for learning. She attributes her growth to the mentorship she has received and the value of shared knowledge within the NSCF network.
A graduate in nature conservation with an honours degree, Nomcebo envisions a future where collections work becomes more visible, inclusive, and responsive to communities, especially those previously left out of the conversation. She’s particularly passionate about transforming public perceptions of birds, like her favourite specimen, the pearl-spotted owlet, a species often feared culturally, but one she has used to spark curiosity and challenge inherited beliefs during outreach tours.
Outside the museum, Nomcebo is a licensed athlete and storyteller. She finds clarity and inspiration through running, squash, and nature walks. She also documents the beauty of collections and nature through creative short videos and photo stories, using her phone to tell the behind-the-scenes narratives of a field too often hidden from view.
“The best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.”
— A mindset that defines how Nomcebo faces big goals: with patience, intention, and courage.
Nomcebo’s participation in the NSCF Emerging Leaders Workshop reflects her growing leadership presence and her commitment to shaping the future of natural science collections. She hopes to deepen her understanding of purposeful leadership, grow strategic skills, and build a supportive network of peers committed to evolving the sector.
Her vision for the future of collections is bold; one where youth lead with innovation, where collections go beyond institutions and into communities, and where collaboration becomes the norm, not the exception.
“We are not just the next in line. We are already here, ready to contribute.”
With leaders like Nomcebo Ndlovu emerging from the wings, the future of natural science collections is in caring, capable, and visionary hands.