By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa mourns the passing of Senamile Masango, scientist who was a trailblazer and broke barriers across the country and the African continent.
Masango, dubbed “the queen of science” by some in South Africa, passed away on Sunday. The cause of her death is unknown.
Born in 1987 in the rural village of Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, the historical seat of the Zulu monarchy, Masango’s mother was a princess in the royal family, and her father was a prominent figure.
She grew up in a polygamous family, with her mother being the youngest of three wives.
Her parents quickly recognised her early passion for learning and encouraged her to read extensively.
At 11, her geography teacher spoke about astronauts, sparking a lifelong interest in science.
“I was so fascinated to learn that there are people who travel to space – leave this dimension – and go to the moon,” she told Global Citizen, an organisation dedicated to ending extreme poverty.
“That’s when I fell in love with science.”
Masango enrolled at the University of Zululand at 16 to study physics, but after becoming pregnant and failing some modules, she had to drop out.
With her family’s support, she returned to complete her degree and later earned an MSc in nuclear physics at the University of the Western Cape, graduating with distinction.
Tragically, her daughter died in a car crash aged seven.
Beyond her academic accomplishments, Masango established a foundation dedicated to encouraging young women to pursue science.
“Girls are discouraged at an early age from taking science subjects; it is the root cause of the lack of women in the nuclear space,” she said.
Her remarkable achievements included being named one of South Africa’s most successful black women scientists under 35 in 2019 and earning a spot on the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in Science and Technology list.
In 2022, she received the prestigious International Women in Science Award, recognising her profound impact on the scientific community.
Tributes
Headstrong and ambitious, she “was a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women”, a statement from Deputy President Paul Mashatile said.
“Masango’s tireless efforts to promote science education and empowerment, particularly among women and disadvantaged communities, will be deeply missed,” a statement from South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation said.
Former public protector Thuli Madonsela said, “I am 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 pease.