Deputy President and Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) chairperson Paul Mashatile and Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga have both pronounced their sorrow at the February 9 passing of South Africa's first black nuclear scientist and HRDC member Senamile Masango.

It is understood that the 37-year-old Masango passed away suddenly in hospital after falling ill. The exact cause of death has not yet been made public.

"Masango was a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women. Her passion for developing critical skills among the population and women in science in particular, will be sorely missed," Mashatile says.

As a PhD candidate, Masango was a globally recognised nuclear scientist, energy expert and entrepreneur serving as energy consulting firm Mphathisithele Consulting founder and executive chairperson.

"Masango was more than a nuclear scientist. She was a beacon of hope and inspiration to countless young women aspiring to pursue careers in science and technology. Her passing is a profound loss not only to her family, friends, and colleagues but to the entire country. Her contributions to the National System of Innovation (NSI) will forever remain part of South Africa’s scientific and developmental legacy," Chikunga said.

She was the first African woman to conduct experiments at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (Cern) and she won the Women in Science Award in 2022. She also received recognition as one of the 50 Global Inspirational Women of 2020 and as a Women in Tech Global Awards finalist in 2021.

Masango also served on several public sector science bodies including the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation and recently became an HRDC member.

"On behalf of government and the HRDC, we wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Masango family, her immediate community and science fraternity at large. May her soul rest in eternal peace," Mashatile says.