South Africa’s first black woman nuclear scientist has died at the age of 37.
Image: Supplied
Tributes continue to pour in for Senamile Masango, the KwaZulu-Natal-born first-black woman nuclear physicist, who died at the weekend following a short illness.
Masango was 37 years old and hailed from Nongoma, in the north of the province.
Besides being a nuclear scientist, she served on uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Innovation, Technology and Information Committee, and on a number of public sector science bodies including the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Ltd (NECSA) and was a member of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC).
Owing to her pioneering work in empowering women through science, she earned a number of local and international honours, including recognition as one of the 50 Global Inspirational Women of 2020 and as a Women in Tech Global Awards finalist in 2021.
She was hailed for making an immeasurable contribution to the advancement of science and in particular the development of critical skills in the country.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is also the chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, said: “On behalf of the Government and the HRDC, we wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Masango family, her immediate community and science fraternity at large. May her soul rest in eternal peace.”
“Ms Masango’s was a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women. Her passion for developing critical skills among the population and women in science in particular, will be sorely missed.”
Mashatile said Masango, as a trailblazer in nuclear science, she was widely respected for her groundbreaking research at among others the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).
“Her global recognition was a source of pride, as she became the first African woman to conduct experiments at CERN. Her brilliance was further acknowledged on a global scale, earning her the prestigious Women in Science Award in 2022. Her impact extended beyond her scientific achievements as she was also a visionary entrepreneur, serving as the Founder and Executive Chair of Mphathisithele Consulting (Pty) Ltd, an energy consulting firm,” the deputy president said.
uMngeni-uThukela Water said Masango brought invaluable governance and leadership insights to the entity’s Innovation, Technology and Information Committee.
“UMngeni-uThukela Water and indeed the country at large has lost a brilliant young mind who was very passionate about the development of the youth in the fields of Science and Technology,” read the statement.
Former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela wrote on X :
“Exceedingly shocked and saddened by the news of the passing of Senamile Masango, South Africa’s first female nuclear physicist, a friend of the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University and tireless supporter of our #Action4Inclusion initiative aimed at eradicating student debt as a barrier to higher education. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues. May her kind soul rest in peace.”
gcwalisile.khanyile@inl.co.za