By Celani Sikhakhane
- A brilliant scientist from rural KZN who became Africa’s first woman to work at Europe’s top nuclear lab has died.
- Despite global success, she worked to help other young South Africans, especially women, enter science careers.
A woman from rural KwaZulu-Natal who became Africa’s first female scientist to work at Europe’s top nuclear lab has died.
Senamile Masango’s death has touched many South Africans, from King Misuzulu kaZwelithini to Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
Her brother Sihle Masango told Scrolla.Africa the family is devastated.
“We are deeply sad for losing our sister. We are also conveying our condolences to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini who was so proud of my sister’s work,” said Masango.
His sister passed away on her way to hospital where she was being rushed to after reportedly collapsing on her landing from a flight at OR Tambo International Airport
King Misuzulu said losing someone who flew South Africa’s flag globally was a blow to the Zulu nation and the whole country.
Mashatile called her “a beacon of hope” for young people, especially women.
“Her passion for developing critical skills among the population and women in science, in particular, will be sorely missed.
“As a trailblazer in nuclear science, she was widely respected for her groundbreaking research at 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,” said Mashatile.
Despite her global success, Masango never forgot her roots. She started Mphathisithele Consulting to help others enter the energy sector and served on the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation.
She won many awards, including being named one of the 50 Global Inspirational Women of 2020.
The ANC in Mzala Nxumalo Region said Masango’s hunger for knowledge led her to earn degrees in physics, electronics and nuclear physics. Just last December, she completed another degree in energy studies at Wits University.
She was also studying towards her PhD when she died.
Pictured above: The praised South African Nuclear Scientist Senamile Masango dies.
Source: Supplied
