Natural Science Collections Facility - NSCF

Natural Science Collections Facility - NSCF Securing Natural Science Collections | Network of 17 institutions in South Africa

19/06/2026

She shares a powerful realization: Leadership doesn't require the loudest voice.

While some are meant to speak loudly, others find their leadership strength in supporting those voices.

This shift in perspective proves that leadership is accessible to everyone, regardless of their natural volume.

Have you ever felt like you couldn't lead because you’re "quiet"? Share your story in the comments! 🗣️

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18/06/2026

Before vs after
Siya Zamisa KwaZulu-Natal Museum reflects on his assumptions about leadership before joining the Natural Science Collections Facility - NSCF Emerging Leaders programme, versus now. Leadership is not about holding a leadership position in the office or govervment, we lead in the various spaces where we are: home, friendships, community, parenthood, etc. Don't limit yourself. See yourself for the true leader that you are.

Meet the "New" Wavy-Leaved Wonder! named after our Project Manager!Did you know that one of the world’s most popular gar...
11/06/2026

Meet the "New" Wavy-Leaved Wonder! named after our Project Manager!

Did you know that one of the world’s most popular garden succulents just got a brand-new identity? Formerly known as a subspecies, the stunning "wavy-leaved crassula" has officially been elevated to its own species: Crassula shanelleae.

Why we’re celebrating:
Unique Beauty: This species is loved globally for its "wavy" leaf margins and dense, rounded canopy.

A Special Name: It is named in honour of Shanelle Ribeiro, NSCF Project Manager who has dedicated her career to protecting South Africa’s natural history collections.

Rare & Local: In the wild, it is found only in a small area of the Eastern Cape’s Albany Centre of Endemism.

Next time you see those beautiful blue-grey wavy leaves, you’ll know the story behind the name! 🌱

Read the paper: https://phytotaxa.mapress.com/pt/article/view/phytotaxa.760.3.2

Where iron sharpens iron! The third NSCF Emerging Leaders Workshop was a vibrant celebration of leadership, science, and...
10/06/2026

Where iron sharpens iron!

The third NSCF Emerging Leaders Workshop was a vibrant celebration of leadership, science, and the "Rainbow Nation" energy. This insightful recap was penned by workshop participant Sithembile Ndlovu, capturing the true spirit of the event.

Highlights included:
Deep Inner Growth: Moving beyond lab coats to focus on Inner Development Goals (IDGs)—because true change starts from within.
🤝 Unity in Diversity: Bringing together experts from 18 institutions, representing everything from termites to ferns, to collaborate and tackle shared challenges.
💃 Rise & Shine: The week ended with a "Rise and Shine" gala dinner—celebrating growth, resilience, and the bonds formed during the week.

We’re more than just a network; we’re a pack! 🐺

From intense "courageous conversations" to howling in unison during game night, the message is clear: Uyinkosi uzazi (You are a king, know yourself).

A community where we grow together.

Read the article here:https://nscf.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026_06_05-SANBI-Gazette-vol-22-Emerging-Leaders-Article.pdf

Technical tools are only half the story. The NSCF is redefining collaboration through Communities of Practice (CoPs) and...
26/05/2026

Technical tools are only half the story. The NSCF is redefining collaboration through Communities of Practice (CoPs) and "Café Conversations". By prioritising psychological safety and human connection, we are ensuring that best practices take root and flourish.

Contact Shaun Pieterse ([email protected]) if you'd like to try these out in your own organisation.

"The manual really helps us to get the collections up to standard!" – Lizel-Hugo Coetzee, National Museum. 📖 Whether you...
22/05/2026

"The manual really helps us to get the collections up to standard!" – Lizel-Hugo Coetzee, National Museum.

📖 Whether you are in South Africa or abroad, the Collection Management and Conservation Manual offers a unified, globally accepted approach to safeguarding natural heritage.

Download the free, searchable manual here: https://nscf.org.za/collection-management-and-conservation-manual/

From "Manual to Metrics": How is South Africa revolutionising natural science collection care? The NSCF has launched an...
20/05/2026

From "Manual to Metrics": How is South Africa revolutionising natural science collection care?

The NSCF has launched an open-access framework to standardise and professionalise the management of more than 11.7 million animal, plant, and fungi specimens.

Learn how these resources are bridging the gap between isolated repositories and the global scientific community.

Link: https://nscf.org.za/2026/04/29/from-manual-to-metrics-nscfs-open-access-framework-what-it-offers-local-african-and-global-scientific-communities/

Curious minds must be fed the right food. We had such exciting engagements with kids and adults at yebo gogga. Day 1 do...
13/05/2026

Curious minds must be fed the right food. We had such exciting engagements with kids and adults at yebo gogga. Day 1 down, 4 more to go. Come visit, it's free!

The 1st regional hub team meet-up for Gauteng was a resounding success! As a virtual team, it is essential to be intenti...
08/05/2026

The 1st regional hub team meet-up for Gauteng was a resounding success! As a virtual team, it is essential to be intentional about creating spaces for on-site connection, for team cohesion.

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