Tributes Honor Senamile Masango, SAs First Black Female Nuclear Physicist
Tributes are flowing in for Senamile Masango, the first black woman nuclear physicist from KwaZulu-Natal, who passed away over the weekend after a brief illness. Masango, 37, hailed from Nongoma in northern KwaZulu-Natal and was not only a nuclear scientist but also served on uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Innovation, Technology and Information Committee, as well as various public sector science organizations, including the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Ltd (NECSA) and the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC).
Her pioneering efforts in empowering women through science earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the 50 Global Inspirational Women of 2020 and a finalist for the Women in Tech Global Awards in 2021. Masango was celebrated for her significant contributions to advancing science and developing critical skills in South Africa.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who chairs the HRDC, expressed condolences on behalf of the government and the council, stating that Masango's legacy would be deeply missed. He noted that she served as a beacon of hope for many young people, particularly women, and highlighted her passion for fostering critical skills in science.
Mashatile acknowledged Masango's trailblazing role in nuclear science, emphasizing her groundbreaking research at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), where she became the first African woman to conduct experiments. Her global recognition culminated in receiving the prestigious Women in Science Award in 2022. Additionally, she was a visionary entrepreneur, founding and chairing Mphathisithele Consulting (Pty) Ltd, an energy consulting firm.
uMngeni-uThukela Water remarked on Masango's invaluable governance and leadership contributions to their Innovation, Technology and Information Committee, stating that the country has lost a brilliant mind dedicated to youth development in science and technology.
Former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela expressed her shock and sadness at Masango's passing, recalling her as a friend of the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University and a supporter of initiatives aimed at eradicating student debt.
Her pioneering efforts in empowering women through science earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the 50 Global Inspirational Women of 2020 and a finalist for the Women in Tech Global Awards in 2021. Masango was celebrated for her significant contributions to advancing science and developing critical skills in South Africa.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who chairs the HRDC, expressed condolences on behalf of the government and the council, stating that Masango's legacy would be deeply missed. He noted that she served as a beacon of hope for many young people, particularly women, and highlighted her passion for fostering critical skills in science.
Mashatile acknowledged Masango's trailblazing role in nuclear science, emphasizing her groundbreaking research at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), where she became the first African woman to conduct experiments. Her global recognition culminated in receiving the prestigious Women in Science Award in 2022. Additionally, she was a visionary entrepreneur, founding and chairing Mphathisithele Consulting (Pty) Ltd, an energy consulting firm.
uMngeni-uThukela Water remarked on Masango's invaluable governance and leadership contributions to their Innovation, Technology and Information Committee, stating that the country has lost a brilliant mind dedicated to youth development in science and technology.
Former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela expressed her shock and sadness at Masango's passing, recalling her as a friend of the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University and a supporter of initiatives aimed at eradicating student debt.
