SOUTH Africa is mourning the loss of Senamile Masango, the nation’s first black female nuclear scientist, who passed away at the age of 37. Her death was confirmed by the government, though the cause remains undisclosed, the BBC reported. Known as ‘the queen of science,’ Masango was not just a pioneer in the nuclear field but also a passionate advocate for young women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Deputy President Paul Mashatile described her as ‘a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women,’ praising her dedication to breaking barriers in the male-dominated world of science. Despite facing discrimination throughout her career, Masango’s resilience and determination earned her widespread respect both in South Africa and globally.
A life of firsts and fierce determination
Born in 1987 in the rural village of Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal—a region steeped in Zulu history—Masango grew up in a polygamous household, her mother being a princess from the Zulu royal family. She often spoke about the challenges of navigating her complex family structure, which taught her to be assertive from a young age.
Her love for science was sparked at just 11 years old when a geography teacher introduced her to the idea of space travel. ‘I was fascinated to learn there are people who travel to space, leaving this dimension to go to the moon,’ she once told Global Citizen. That moment ignited a lifelong passion for science.
Masango enrolled at the University of Zululand at 16 to study physics. However, after facing personal setbacks, including an unexpected pregnancy and academic struggles, she had to temporarily withdraw. With her family’s unwavering support, she returned to complete her degree and later earned a Master’s in nuclear physics from the University of the Western Cape, graduating with distinction.
Tragedy struck again when her young daughter passed away in a car accident at just seven years old. Despite these personal hardships, Masango remained committed to her academic pursuits and her mission to inspire young women to break into scientific fields.
Breaking barriers at CERN and beyond
Masango made history as the first African woman to join an African-led research team at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN), the world’s largest particle physics laboratory. Her groundbreaking work at CERN was not only a testament to her scientific brilliance but also symbolised the potential of African women in global scientific arenas.
‘Masango’s tireless efforts to promote science education and empowerment, particularly among women and disadvantaged communities, will be deeply missed,’ South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation said in a statement.
Her accolades included being named one of South Africa’s most successful black women scientists under 35 in 2019, earning a spot on the Mail & Guardian’s prestigious list of 200 Young South Africans in Science and Technology, and receiving the International Women in Science Award in 2022 for her profound impact on the scientific community.
Championing women in STEM
Beyond her scientific achievements, Masango founded a non-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. She was vocal about the systemic barriers that discourage girls from engaging with science from an early age, particularly in Africa.
‘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 in an interview.
Masango’s advocacy wasn’t limited to motivational talks. She actively mentored young women, hosted workshops, and pushed for policy changes to support gender equality in scientific education and professional environments.
Facing discrimination with unyielding strength
Despite her numerous accomplishments, Masango openly discussed the racism and sexism she encountered in her career. She highlighted the double burden of misogynoir—the intersection of race and gender discrimination—that black women face in traditionally male-dominated industries.
‘The biggest challenge in my career is my skin colour. If you look like me, no one believes in you; you must prove that you know your job and that you can think,’ she candidly shared.
Her perseverance in the face of these challenges inspired countless young women who saw in her a reflection of their own struggles and aspirations. ‘There are still very few black women scientists. This means women like me have to work twice as hard to prove their worth,’ Masango said.
A legacy that lives on
Senamile Masango’s life story is one of resilience, brilliance, and unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers. Her scientific contributions, coupled with her advocacy for women in STEM, have left an indelible mark on South Africa and the global scientific community.
‘She used her journey to inspire a new generation to pursue science fearlessly and boldly,’ Deputy President Mashatile noted.
As South Africa and the world reflect on her life, Masango’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists, especially young girls who dream of reaching for the stars—just as she did.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that while adversity may challenge us, determination, passion, and a vision for a better future can create lasting change. Senamile Masango may be gone, but her impact will resonate for years to come.
