• Education
    • Higher Education
    • Scholarships & Grants
    • Online Learning
    • School Reforms
    • Research & Innovation
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Food & Drink
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Home & Living
    • Relationships & Family
  • Technology & Startups
    • Software & Apps
    • Startup Success Stories
    • Startups & Innovations
    • Tech Regulations
    • Venture Capital
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cybersecurity
    • Emerging Technologies
    • Gadgets & Devices
    • Industry Analysis
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Today Headline
  • Home
  • World News
    • Us & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Middle East
  • Politics
    • Elections
    • Political Parties
    • Government Policies
    • International Relations
    • Legislative News
  • Business & Finance
    • Market Trends
    • Stock Market
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Corporate News
    • Economic Policies
  • Science & Environment
    • Space Exploration
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife & Conservation
    • Environmental Policies
    • Medical Research
  • Health
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • Medical Breakthroughs
    • Fitness & Nutrition
    • Pandemic Updates
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Basketball
    • Tennis
    • Olympics
    • Motorsport
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV & Streaming
    • Celebrity News
    • Awards & Festivals
  • Crime & Justice
    • Court Cases
    • Cybercrime
    • Policing
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Legal Reforms
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • World News
    • Us & Canada
    • Europe
    • Asia
    • Africa
    • Middle East
  • Politics
    • Elections
    • Political Parties
    • Government Policies
    • International Relations
    • Legislative News
  • Business & Finance
    • Market Trends
    • Stock Market
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Corporate News
    • Economic Policies
  • Science & Environment
    • Space Exploration
    • Climate Change
    • Wildlife & Conservation
    • Environmental Policies
    • Medical Research
  • Health
    • Public Health
    • Mental Health
    • Medical Breakthroughs
    • Fitness & Nutrition
    • Pandemic Updates
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Basketball
    • Tennis
    • Olympics
    • Motorsport
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV & Streaming
    • Celebrity News
    • Awards & Festivals
  • Crime & Justice
    • Court Cases
    • Cybercrime
    • Policing
    • Criminal Investigations
    • Legal Reforms
No Result
View All Result
Today Headline
No Result
View All Result
Home World News

South Africa mourns pioneering female nuclear scientist

February 10, 2025
in World News
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
0
Yahoo news home
7
SHARES
15
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


South Africa’s first black female nuclear scientist, Senamile Masango, a trailblazer who set out to inspire young women, has died aged 37, the government has confirmed.

Ms Masango, dubbed “the queen of science” by some in South Africa, passed away on Sunday. The cause of her death is unknown.

Headstrong and ambitious, she “was a beacon of hope for many young people, especially women”, a statement from Deputy President Paul Mashatile said.

Despite her success she said she faced discrimination as a black woman as she constantly had to prove that she knew what she was talking about.

Nevertheless, her unwavering determination earned her deep respect in her field.

Ms Masango was the first African woman to join an African-led team conducting experiments at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (Cern), which is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory.

“Masango’s tireless efforts to promote science education and empowerment, particularly among women and disadvantaged communities, will be deeply missed,” a statement from South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation said.

Born in 1987 in the rural village of Nongoma, KwaZulu-Natal, the historical seat of the Zulu monarchy, Ms Masango’s mother was a princess in the royal family, and her father was a prominent figure.

She grew up in a polygamous family, with her mother being the youngest of three wives.

It was a challenging family set-up, she told local newspaper Sowetan Live, but she learned how to stand up for herself.

Her parents quickly recognised her early passion for learning and encouraged her to read extensively.

“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””, Source: Senamile Masango, Source description: , Image:

At 11, her geography teacher spoke about astronauts, sparking a lifelong interest in science.

“I was so fascinated to learn that there are people who travel to space – leave this dimension – and go to the moon,” she told Global Citizen, an organisation dedicated to ending extreme poverty.

“That’s when I fell in love with science.”

Ms Masango enrolled at the University of Zululand at 16 to study physics, but after becoming pregnant and failing some modules, she had to drop out.

With her family’s support, she returned to complete her degree and later earned an MSc in nuclear physics at the University of the Western Cape, graduating with distinction.

Tragically, her daughter died in a car crash aged seven.

Beyond her academic accomplishments, Ms Masango established a foundation dedicated to encouraging young women to pursue science.

“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.

Her remarkable achievements included being named one of South Africa’s most successful black women scientists under 35 in 2019 and earning a spot on the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans in Science and Technology list.

In 2022, she received the prestigious International Women in Science Award, recognising her profound impact on the scientific community.

But throughout her career, Ms Masango faced misogynoir – the discrimination black women face because of their race and gender.

“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!”

“There are still very few black women scientists. This means women like me have to work twice as hard to prove their worth,” she said.

Yet, she persevered, using her journey to help inspire a new generation to pursue science fearlessly and boldly.

You may also be interested in:

[Getty Images/BBC]

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

BBC Africa podcasts

Tags: nuclear scientistPaul MashatileSenamile MasangoSouth Africayoung women
Previous Post

Poilievre vows to build Arctic military base amid sovereignty concerns

Next Post

The West African Development Bank “BOAD” leads the way in innovation with landmark record-breaking $500 million public hybrid issuance – Africa.com

Related Posts

Hiraku Morilla: ‘Pride means respect for those who walked so we could run’

Hiraku Morilla: ‘Pride means respect for those who walked so we could run’

June 6, 2025
4
Trump administration sanctions International Criminal Court judges

Trump administration sanctions International Criminal Court judges

June 6, 2025
3
Next Post
The West African Development Bank “BOAD” leads the way in innovation with landmark record-breaking $500 million public hybrid issuance - Africa.com

The West African Development Bank “BOAD” leads the way in innovation with landmark record-breaking $500 million public hybrid issuance - Africa.com

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Family calls for change after B.C. nurse dies by suicide after attacks on the job

Family calls for change after B.C. nurse dies by suicide after attacks on the job

April 2, 2025
Pioneering 3D printing project shares successes

Product reduces TPH levels to non-hazardous status

November 27, 2024

Hospital Mergers Fail to Deliver Better Care or Lower Costs, Study Finds todayheadline

December 31, 2024

Police ID man who died after Corso Italia fight

December 23, 2024
Harris tells supporters 'never give up' and urges peaceful transfer of power

Harris tells supporters ‘never give up’ and urges peaceful transfer of power

0
Des Moines Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend's Mother

Des Moines Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend’s Mother

0

Trump ‘looks forward’ to White House meeting with Biden

0
Catholic voters were critical to Donald Trump’s blowout victory: ‘Harris snubbed us’

Catholic voters were critical to Donald Trump’s blowout victory: ‘Harris snubbed us’

0
Hiraku Morilla: ‘Pride means respect for those who walked so we could run’

Hiraku Morilla: ‘Pride means respect for those who walked so we could run’

June 6, 2025
Trump administration sanctions International Criminal Court judges

Trump administration sanctions International Criminal Court judges

June 6, 2025
Lebanon slams Israel after airstrikes in Beirut area

Lebanon slams Israel after airstrikes in Beirut area

June 6, 2025
Aziz Koleilat, President & CEO – METCIS, GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace’s Aziz Koleilat on the forces powering the Middle East’s aviation boom

June 6, 2025

Recent News

Hiraku Morilla: ‘Pride means respect for those who walked so we could run’

Hiraku Morilla: ‘Pride means respect for those who walked so we could run’

June 6, 2025
4
Trump administration sanctions International Criminal Court judges

Trump administration sanctions International Criminal Court judges

June 6, 2025
3
Lebanon slams Israel after airstrikes in Beirut area

Lebanon slams Israel after airstrikes in Beirut area

June 6, 2025
2
Aziz Koleilat, President & CEO – METCIS, GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace’s Aziz Koleilat on the forces powering the Middle East’s aviation boom

June 6, 2025
4

TodayHeadline is a dynamic news website dedicated to delivering up-to-date and comprehensive news coverage from around the globe.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Basketball
  • Business & Finance
  • Climate Change
  • Crime & Justice
  • Cybersecurity
  • Economic Policies
  • Elections
  • Entertainment
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environmental Policies
  • Europe
  • Football
  • Gadgets & Devices
  • Health
  • Medical Research
  • Mental Health
  • Middle East
  • Motorsport
  • Olympics
  • Politics
  • Public Health
  • Relationships & Family
  • Science & Environment
  • Software & Apps
  • Space Exploration
  • Sports
  • Stock Market
  • Technology & Startups
  • Tennis
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized
  • Us & Canada
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • World News

Recent News

Hiraku Morilla: ‘Pride means respect for those who walked so we could run’

Hiraku Morilla: ‘Pride means respect for those who walked so we could run’

June 6, 2025
Trump administration sanctions International Criminal Court judges

Trump administration sanctions International Criminal Court judges

June 6, 2025
  • Education
  • Lifestyle
  • Technology & Startups
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Todayheadline.co

Welcome Back!

OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Business & Finance
  • Corporate News
  • Economic Policies
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Market Trends
  • Crime & Justice
  • Court Cases
  • Criminal Investigations
  • Cybercrime
  • Legal Reforms
  • Policing
  • Education
  • Higher Education
  • Online Learning
  • Entertainment
  • Awards & Festivals
  • Celebrity News
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Health
  • Fitness & Nutrition
  • Medical Breakthroughs
  • Mental Health
  • Pandemic Updates
  • Lifestyle
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Food & Drink
  • Home & Living
  • Politics
  • Elections
  • Government Policies
  • International Relations
  • Legislative News
  • Political Parties
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Gadgets & Devices
  • Industry Analysis
  • Basketball
  • Football
  • Motorsport
  • Olympics
  • Climate Change
  • Environmental Policies
  • Medical Research
  • Science & Environment
  • Space Exploration
  • Wildlife & Conservation
  • Sports
  • Tennis
  • Technology & Startups
  • Software & Apps
  • Startup Success Stories
  • Startups & Innovations
  • Tech Regulations
  • Venture Capital
  • Uncategorized
  • World News
  • Us & Canada
  • Public Health
  • Relationships & Family
  • Travel
  • Research & Innovation
  • Scholarships & Grants
  • School Reforms
  • Stock Market
  • TV & Streaming
  • Advertise with Us
  • Privacy & Policy
  • About us
  • Contact

© 2024 Todayheadline.co