May 16, 2025 | Emerging Leaders, Events, Latest
Nelisiwe Mary Manukuza: Curating the Future, One Shell at a Time For Nelisiwe Mary Manukuza, working in natural science collections is more than just a profession; it’s a calling rooted in curiosity and purpose. As a Research Technician at the KwaZulu-Natal Museum,...
May 16, 2025 | Emerging Leaders, Events, Latest
Nonkululeko Ntshangase: Leading with Integrity, Rooted in Nature For Nonkululeko Ntshangase, her career began where many profound stories do — in the rural landscapes of her childhood. “I didn’t even know what Botany was,” she recalls. But when applying to university,...
May 16, 2025 | Emerging Leaders, Events, Latest
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...
May 14, 2025 | Emerging Leaders, Events, Latest
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...
May 13, 2025 | Emerging Leaders, Events, Latest
Maggie “Mitey” Manyatsa: Chosen by Collections, Called to Lead For Maggie Manyatsa, the journey into natural science collections was never part of the plan—but it turned out to be her true calling. Currently serving as Senior Research Assistant and Acting Acari...
May 12, 2025 | Emerging Leaders, Events, Latest
“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...
May 9, 2025 | Emerging Leaders, Events, Latest
Digitising Legacy, Leading with Light: The Journey of Maxine Manickum “The world will not be changed by our opinion, but by our example.” – Anonymous For Maxine Manickum, leadership begins with service, intention, and quiet strength. As a biodiversity data technician...
May 8, 2025 | Emerging Leaders, Latest
From Unemployment Struggles to Leadership: Randall Josephs Champions Growth at the H.W.G.J. Schweickerdt Herbarium “Life rewards effort.” Randall Evan Josephs, a First Technical Assistant at the H.W.G.J. Schweickerdt Herbarium (University of Pretoria), brings a wealth...
May 6, 2025 | Emerging Leaders, Latest
Rooted in Growth: Ieslaah Isaacs Navigates Science and Leadership at the Compton Herbarium From multi-tasking intern to emerging leader, Ieslaah Isaacs is building her path with quiet confidence and a collaborative spirit. “I’ve never viewed myself as a leader, but...
Apr 16, 2024 | Emerging Leaders, Iqoqwana Initiative, Latest
Getting to know Pumela Pumela is known for being full of positive energy and a well-organised leader and team player. She describes herself as a very good communicator and a hard worker who enjoys taking on challenges and winning. She believes that the role she plays...
