Minister Nzimande Commemorates Nuclear Scientist Senamile Masango
Pretoria – The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, is mourning the passing of one of South Africa’s most respected young scientists, Senamile Masango.
The 37-year-old nuclear scientist died in the hospital on Saturday, 8 February 2025, after a short illness.
“Ms. Masango was an innovative young nuclear physicist who served our country with remarkable distinction in various capacities, including as a board member of the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA), where she chaired the research and development committee,” expressed Minister Nzimande on Monday, 10 February 2025.
“Her commitment and passion for scientific excellence earned her several prestigious awards, including being selected in 2017 as one of 50 scientists to partake in one of the first African research missions at the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland (CERN).
“She also led the research team that represented South Africa at the BRICS Youth Energy Agency.”
Beyond her remarkable achievements as a scientist, Masango was a fervent advocate for encouraging science among young black individuals, particularly young girls.
Through her Foundation, she initiated programs in South Africa and throughout Africa to inspire young girls in the sciences and to equip women with the skills needed to excel as scientists, engineers, and researchers.
Driven by her passion for empowering women and girls, she established the Women in Science and Engineering in Africa (WISE Africa) initiative in 2015, which offers mentorship to young girls in schools, motivating them to pursue careers in science.
“As a nation, we continue to confront the challenges of low confidence and frequent apprehension towards mathematics and science, especially within the black community,” remarked Minister Nzimande.
Through her work as an activist scientist, Senamile significantly advanced the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s strategic goal of increasing the entry of young girls and women into science fields and fostering the critical skills needed for our nation’s growth,” stated the Minister.
“At the time of her passing, Senamile was conducting research at TRIUMF, Canada’s national laboratory for nuclear and particle physics, and was ready to pursue her PhD in nuclear physics. This represents a profound loss to our country’s public science ecosystem,” Minister Nzimande expressed.
“On behalf of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the entire public science sector of South Africa, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Ms. Masango.
“May her selfless contributions inspire us to empower more young girls and women through science.”