“Like Nike: just do it.”
For Sithembile Ndlovu, these words are more than a motivational slogan; they are a personal philosophy. Whether curating botanical specimens, leading a team as Wing Coordinator, or navigating the evolving world of natural science collections, Sithembile believes in taking initiative, embracing responsibility, and acting with purpose.
Currently serving at SANBI’s National Herbarium, Sithembile combines scientific dedication with personal passion, both deeply rooted in her childhood experiences and her family’s healing traditions. With three years of professional experience and a BSc Honours degree in hand, she is forging a path defined by curiosity, leadership, and impact.
Healing Roots and Scientific Journeys
Sithembile’s story begins in a home steeped in both healing and farming traditions. A serious respiratory illness in her childhood brought her face-to-face with the power of plants; an elderly woman used a traditional remedy that cured her. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination.
“I wanted to understand how a plant could do that,” she recalls. “Today, that same power fuels industries: cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. It’s a miracle I never stopped chasing.”
Now in her role at SANBI, she channels that curiosity and reverence into curating plant collections, imaging specimens, and communicating their significance to various audiences. “Caring for collections is like becoming one with history,” she says. “I care for old specimens and get to create new ones, knowing that my work contributes to scientific research that can shape the future.”
Learning, Adapting, and Leading with Inclusion
Though new to navigating workplace dynamics, Sithembile is embracing the challenge of adapting to different personalities and the realities of professional environments. She remains grounded in her values, describing her leadership style as inclusive.
“People like to feel included at every turn. Making co-workers feel they are part of the change you’re introducing – that’s how you build trust and progress.”
She credits reliability and taking initiative as qualities that have helped her stand out, especially in an environment where precision and care are essential. As Wing Coordinator, these traits allow her to foster a team culture that values shared goals and mutual respect.
Eyes on the Future
Sithembile views the NSCF Emerging Leaders Workshop as a crucial step on her journey to career growth and professional maturity. “I want to learn how to grow, to connect with like-minded and experienced individuals, and to explore new ways of thinking about leadership and collections work.”
She admires leaders who embody qualities like vision, decisiveness, and adaptability; leaders who are accountable, communicative, and willing to innovate. Through this workshop, she hopes to gain the tools, confidence, and insights that will prepare her to take on bigger roles in the future.
A Vision for Science and Society
For Sithembile, the future of natural science collections in South Africa is brimming with possibility, especially if shaped by collaboration, innovation, and meaningful job creation. “We need more spaces where young scientists can learn, contribute, and lead.”
She sees her role in this change as twofold: doing her current work with excellence and continually building her skill set through outreach, research, and involvement in professional bodies. “If we stay active in societies, join publication clubs, and engage with the broader scientific community, we can make sure collections are dynamic spaces of knowledge and opportunity.”
More Than a Scientist
Outside the herbarium, Sithembile enjoys inspirational reads, a good cup of coffee, and writing poetry. She’s also pretty sure she can dance and wouldn’t say no to a group hike or game drive at the workshop. A recent request from a visitor to see a politically significant specimen reminded her of how deeply collections are tied to both personal and national histories, something she never takes for granted.