Masango: South Africa mourns first Black female nuclear scientist

As the world marks the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, South Africa mourns the loss of a trailblazing scientist, Senamile Masango, praised for "paving the way for future generations."

Masango, the country's first Black female nuclear scientist, passed away in hospital at the age of 37 on Sunday, February 9. The cause of her death is unknown.

Described as "a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women" by South Africa Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Masango's remarkable achievements have been recognised globally.

She was a PhD candidate, nuclear scientist, energy leader, and pioneering entrepreneur.

Dr. Masango was the first African woman to conduct experiments at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research. Her brilliance was acknowledged internationally, earning her prestigious awards such as the Women in Science Award in 2022.

“Her passion for developing critical skills among the population and women in science, in particular, will be sorely missed… we wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Masango family, her immediate community, and the science fraternity at large. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” said Deputy President Mashatile.

Masango's impact extended beyond her scientific achievements. She was an entrepreneur who founded Mphathisithele Consulting, an energy consulting firm, and served on various public sector science bodies, including the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Ltd. (NECSA) and the Human Resource Development Council.

Tributes also came from the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, who described Masango as "a young, resourceful, and very passionate nuclear physicist who served our country with distinction."

The King of the Zulu Nation also paid tribute, saying, "Her passing is a tragedy that has not only affected her loved ones but has also left a profound void in the scientific community and our nation as a whole."

Born in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, Dr. Masango's passion for science was ignited at an early age.

"Because of the colour of my skin, regardless of 20-plus years of freedom, you have to prove yourself first—that you can do it [the job] and you belong here," she once shared.

Despite facing discrimination as a Black woman in a male-dominated field, Masango, in interviews, said she remained committed to empowering women and girls in science.

"At 11, my geography teacher spoke about astronauts, sparking a lifelong interest in science," she recalled in an interview with Global Citizen. "That's when I fell in love with science."

She launched the SA Women in Science and Engineering organisation in 2014 and was a driving force behind the Women in Science and Engineering in Africa (WISE Africa) initiative.

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