When it was announced that Mandla Maseko was set to go to space, courtesy of Axe Apollo Space Academy in the year 2014, many (especially black people) were immensely thrilled as he would have been the first African to experience this.
The Pretoria native's influence had spilled into the world of academia. In the year 2016, Mandla was bestowed with the honour of having a science building named after him at the Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation.
A Soshanguve resident, Maseko went on to train as a private pilot and worked extensively with the South African National Defence Force while waiting for his winning trip to space.
However, that dream has been shattered as the public finds out that Maseko passed away this past weekend in a tragic motorcycle accident.
The public speaker and community worker was also an avid biker and was a member of the Tshwana Legend bikers. In a statement to media, Maseko's family said that his main goal was to "inspire many African children to pursue careers in science".
Below are a few words of condolences to the Maseko family...
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Over the years, general road accidents have claimed the lives of quite a number of our local celebrities.
Former YOTV presenter and South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) actor, Akhumzi Jezile took his final breath when he was involved in a tragic car accident, together with two of his friends.
Akhumzi died at a tender age of 29, however his contribution to the world of the Arts will never go unnoticed, as he had worked tirelessly to consistently nurture his craft as a multi faceted entertainer.
Quite recently, television presenter, Kayise Ngqula bid farewell to her husband, Farai Sibanda, who tragically lost his life to a car accident as well. The pair was travelling together, however it was Farai who ultimately succumbed to the death- leaving behind, Kayise and their beautiful baby boy.
More details regarding Mandla's memorial service and funeral will be made public some time in the week.
