Mandla Maseko Bio

Mandla Maseko who beat a million people to win a sub-orbital trip that could have seen him become the first black African in space has been killed in a motorcycle crash.

I’m saddened to read of the passing of Mandla Maseko who was supposed to be the first black African in space. He was killed in a motorcycle crash. ?? Condolences to his family and friends. ??#RIPMandlaMaseko pic.twitter.com/cEgoIDO8Qt

— Ms Visual Korobela ?️ (@JustMeka_) July 7, 2019

Mandla Maseko Age

He was 30 Years old.

Mandla Maseko Early Life

Maseko, 30, grew up in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, and was a candidate officer in the South African Air Force.

NEWS: Mandla Maseko, who beat a million people to win a sub-orbital trip that could have seen him become the first black African in space, has reportedly been killed in a motorcycle crash.#RIPMandlaMaseko pic.twitter.com/ou2bPRoNrI — Phil Mphela (@PhilMphela) July 7, 2019

Mandla MasekoFamily

“It is with deep sadness that the Maseko family confirms that Mandla Maseko tragically passed away in a bike accident last night, July 6 2019,” family spokesperson Sthembile Shabangu said in a media release on Sunday.

Mandla Maseko Twitter

Seems like u just had a Zuma Moment there @Leratokganyago.. 86 thousands.. 83 kilometers.. ?. Okare ka go bona shaking your head like him pic.twitter.com/FV4ccxZDr5

— Mandla Maseko (@MandlaMaseko1) June 8, 2019

Mandla Maseko Instagram

Mandla Maseko First Black African Heading into Space

“Maseko – popularly known as Spaceboy and Afronaut – beat 1 million people to become one of 23 people who won a seat sponsored by the Axe Apollo Space Academy on an hour-long suborbital trip in 2014,” the family said in a statement on Sunday.

He was going to be the first BLACK MAN to go on Space! Unfortunately heaven couldn’t wait for him. ???????? I’m shattered! Rest Easy Big Bro I Love You! Lala Kahle Ncamane????? #MandlaMaseko pic.twitter.com/cD8MLmsSK1 — Lerato Botle ❤ (@_LiraRae) July 7, 2019



However, the trip had not yet happened at the time of his death, according to media reports.

“Maseko, 30, a Soshanguve native, went on to train as a private pilot and became a corporal in the South African National Defence Force [SANDF],” the family statement said.

R.I.P Mandla Maseko Contest winner Mandla Maseko set to become first black African in space.

DJ from Mabopane township near Pretoria will be blasted 62 miles into orbit in 2015 after winning space academy competition. pic.twitter.com/Sqd21XMVqQ

— O and Oh Recruits?? (@OandOhRecruits) July 7, 2019



“As a public speaker and community worker, Maseko worked to inspire many African children to pursue careers in science. His community work saw him join the Corsa Utility Club Mzansi. [He was] an avid biker with the Tshwane Legend Bikers.”

In 2016 he was honored by the Gauteng Education Department and had the science building at the Curtis Nkondo School of Specialisation named after him.

Mandla Maseko Cause of Death

Mandla Maseko, who was set to be the first black African in space, died in a motorcycle accident on Saturday night.https://t.co/PbFSK9C7kS — IOL News (@IOL) July 7, 2019

Maseko was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle on Saturday. His death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon. Maseko, aged 30, was an avid biker. Details for his memorial service are expected to be announced during the week.

Mandla Maseko Funeral

Details of his memorial service and funeral would be announced during the course of this week.

Rest in peace Mandla “Spaceboy” Maseko. I will miss you my friend. ? pic.twitter.com/XBJSMiF70a — Chef Marcus? (@MarcusTucker_) July 7, 2019