Deputy President Paul Mashatile called her a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women. South Africa’s first black female nuclear scientist, Senamile Masango (37) passed on Sunday after an undisclosed illness.

HEADSTRONG

In a statement from the Chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council, Deputy President Pauul Mashatil, the South African government confirmed the passing of Masango. “A PhD Candidate, Ms Masango was a globally recognised nuclear scientist, esteemed energy leader, and pioneering entrepreneur,” Mashatile said. “As a trailblazer in nuclear science, she was widely respected for her groundbreaking research at among others the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).”

ONE OF A KIND

Known as "the queen of science" by some in South Africa, headstrong and unshaken, Masango challenged discrimination as a black woman head-on. “She constantly had to prove that she knew what she was talking about. Nevertheless, her unwavering determination earned her deep respect in her field,” Mashatile elaborated. She became the first African woman to join an African-led team conducting experiments at the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (Cern).

HISTORY

Born in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, she was raised in a polygamous home. Her mother was a princess and the youngest of three wives in the royal family, and her father was a prominent figure. Her parents recognised her early passion and love for education from an early age. At 11 years old, all she spoke about at school was astronauts, and she sparked an interest in science. At 16 years old, she enrolled at the University of Zululand 16 to study physics but fell pregnant and dropped out. She later returned and completed her degree - an MSc in nuclear physics at the University of the Western Cape, graduating with only distinction. Her daughter passed away at 7 years old in a car accident. She established a foundation to help encourage young women to pursue science.