South Africa mourns death of pioneering nuclear scientist Senamile Masango

Senamile Masango, South Africa's first black female nuclear scientist, has died at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer for women in science. Known as 'the queen of science,' her passing has prompted widespread mourning, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile describing her as 'a beacon of hope' for many young people. Masango faced significant challenges and discrimination in her career but remained dedicated to empowering women and promoting science education. She was the first African woman to join an African-led team conducting experiments at CERN, the world's largest particle physics laboratory. Masango's work and advocacy for women in science earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the 50 Global Inspirational Women of 2020. Her death comes as a significant loss to the scientific community and the Zulu nation, where she was celebrated for her achievements.