At the age of 37, Senamile Masango has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of courage and inspiration for young women in science. Her groundbreaking contributions in the nuclear field and her efforts to promote science education will be profoundly missed.
South Africa Pays Tribute to Senamile Masango, Pioneering Female Nuclear Scientist
South Africa Pays Tribute to Senamile Masango, Pioneering Female Nuclear Scientist
The nation mourns the loss of Senamile Masango, the first black female nuclear scientist in South Africa, who dedicated her life to inspiring young women in science.
South Africa is in mourning after the untimely passing of Senamile Masango, the country’s first black female nuclear scientist, who died at the age of 37. The news has been met with shock and sadness, particularly since her cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Masango, affectionately known as "the queen of science" by many, passed away on Sunday, and the government confirmed her death through a statement expressing deep condolences.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile highlighted Masango’s role as "a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women," focusing on her challenging journey in a male-dominated field. Despite her significant accomplishments, she often faced discrimination as a black woman in science, which she openly discussed throughout her career.
Notably, Masango was part of an African-led team at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (Cern), engaging in groundbreaking experiments at the world's premier particle physics laboratory. The South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation stated that her committed efforts to promote science education and empowerment would be profoundly missed.
Born in 1987 in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, Masango hailed from a family with connections to the Zulu monarchy. Polygamy was a theme in her upbringing, which she said taught her resilience. Her ardent interest in science was ignited when her geography teacher talked about astronauts at the age of 11. She shared her fascination with Global Citizen, recalling how the idea of space travel captivated her imagination.
At just 16, Masango enrolled at the University of Zululand, where she initially faced personal challenges that forced her to step away from her studies. With her family’s unwavering support, she returned, ultimately achieving her degree and later earning an MSc in nuclear physics with distinction from the University of the Western Cape. Tragically, she lost her daughter in a car accident at the tender age of seven, yet this only fueled her determination.
Masango established a foundation to encourage young women to engage in scientific fields, recognizing that societal norms often discourage girls from pursuing science subjects. Her efforts were acknowledged in 2019 when she was celebrated as one of South Africa's eminent female scientists under 35 and featured among Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans in Science and Technology. The prestigious International Women in Science Award, presented to her in 2022, highlighted her remarkable contributions to the scientific community.
Masango’s journey was filled with challenges, particularly the intersection of race and gender, which she eloquently described. “If you look like me, no one believes in you; you must prove that you know your job and that you can think,” she stated. Recognizing the dearth of black women in scientific roles, she emphasized the necessity for them to work twice as hard to assert their worth. Her legacy will live on through the young women she inspired to follow a path in science, reminding them to be fearless and bold in their ambitions.
