Mandla Maseko, who trained as a private pilot and worked as a corporal with the South African Air Force, was destined to be the first black African to travel to space.
In a tragic turn of events, Maseko was hit and killed by a car while riding his motorbike on Saturday 6 July before he could go on the trip.
According to News24, in 2014 Maseko who grew up in Soshanguve, beat out 1 million people to become one of just 23 individuals to win a seat on an hour-long suborbital trip to space sponsored by the Axe Apollo Space Academy.
Known as ‘Spaceboy’ and ‘Afronaut’ Maseko was an ardent biker with the Tshwane Legend Bikers.
Speaking to News24 on Saturday, a close friend of Maseko’s and business manager Sthembile Shabangu said, ‘He was a larger than life figure. We are all still reeling at the moment. We are very distraught because most people only found out this morning. It is still very hard, painful and tragic.’
She continued, ‘There were still rocket tests happening before they could go up. He really thought that if he went up to space he could inspire young African children that they could do anything. He used to always say that the sky was no longer the limit.’
According to News24, the Gauteng Department of Education honored Maseko by naming the science building at Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation after him in 2016.
Shabangu also told News24 that Maseko was a public speaker and community worker. He worked to inspire many African children to pursue careers in science.
Tributes have been pouring in for Maseko and his family and friends across social media.
So saddened to hear of Mandla’s tragic and sudden death. I knew him well. He was a dreamer, audacious in his ambitions. You put us on the Map Mandla, you believed the sky was never the limit, but there was so much more beyond it…💔💔 #RIPMandlaMaseko pic.twitter.com/5ahlJ4arnS
— Khanyi Magubane (@Khanyi_Magubane) July 7, 2019
Condolences to his family’s & friends. You made your mark in ZA🇿🇦 with accomplishments that are an aspiration to the previously disadvantaged, you & the likes off Mark Shuttleworth.
“I armed myself with knowledge because, I believe knowledge is power” 🕊️ … pic.twitter.com/xKDwiJSmC7
— Yonke Mkentane 👑 (@yonke_mkentane) July 7, 2019
We are deeply saddened by the news of Mandla Maseko’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Soshanguve born Mandla became one of just 23 people to get a ticket into space – sponsored by the Axe Apollo Space Academy. He was inspiration to many. #RIPMandlaMaseko pic.twitter.com/wdpPwcldHT
— Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa (@Kgosientso_R) July 7, 2019
You are a perfect example of “going all out for what you love and believe in”. You will be a Brighest Star in the Sky. pic.twitter.com/q3hfc1BeRy
— Ntokozo Starring Zul (@Ntokozostarring) July 7, 2019
Image source: Facebook
