South Africa grieves the loss of a trailblazing woman in the field of nuclear science. Thirty-eight minutes ago. Danai Nesta Kupemba. BBC News. South African Presidency /X. Senamile Masango, South Africa’s first black female nuclear scientist and a pioneer aimed at motivating young women, has tragically died at the age of 37, as confirmed by the government. Known to many in South Africa as “the queen of science,” Ms. Masango passed away on Sunday. The reason for her passing remains unclear. Described as strong-willed and ambitious, she “served as an inspiration for many young people, particularly women,” according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Despite her achievements, she encountered discrimination as a black woman, often needing to validate her expertise. Nevertheless, her steadfast resolve garnered her significant respect within her profession. Ms. Masango was the first African woman to be part of an African-led team conducting research at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (Cern), the largest particle physics facility globally. “Her relentless commitment to advancing science education and empowering women, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, will be greatly missed,” stated a release from South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. This highlights one woman’s struggle to advance Africa’s involvement in the space race. Ms. Masango was born in 1987 in Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, known for being the historical heart of the Zulu royal family, where her mother was a royal princess and her father a significant figure. Raised in a polygamous household as the child of the youngest of three wives, she faced challenges but learned to assert herself. Recognizing her early enthusiasm for learning, her parents encouraged her extensive reading. At the age of 11, her geography teacher’s discussion about astronauts ignited her lasting fascination with science. “I found it incredible that people could leave this world and travel to the moon,” she shared with Global Citizen, an organization aimed at eradicating extreme poverty. “That’s when I became passionate about science.”
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