'Africa has lost a dreamer': Tributes stream in for Mandla 'Spaceboy' Maseko

08 July 2019 - 06:03 By Jessica Levitt

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South Africans continue to pay tribute to Mandla Maseko, after he died in a bike accident on Saturday, with many commenting that he had inspired them by beating the odds.

Maseko, popularly known as "Spaceboy", beat more than a million people to win a sub-orbital trip that would have seen him become the first black African in space through the Axe Apollo Space Academy.

Since the announcement of his death by a family spokesperson at the weekend, social media has been filled with tributes for Maseko.

Tears are words we can't say #RIPMandlaMaseko pic.twitter.com/KE9mzS42N6
— Avalanche Laundry (@AvalancheLaund1) July 8, 2019

#RIPMandlaMaseko Didn’t know the guy, but he was going to do great things for this proud land of Africa. One more beacon of light is gone. We salute you
— Vezuchiy Fanashnikov (@fanamokoena) July 8, 2019

Tragedy, im angry at life itself. A boy from Soshanguve selected from millions of people to join a crue of 23 people to go to space !!life is not fair 😕😕😕#RIPMandlaMaseko
— siboniso mzileni (@sbomzileni) July 7, 2019

Rest in peace mandla, highschool buddy,, our high school crush ,,sabrina,,gone too soon maan, you made a impact here on earth,, see how we are celebrating your life #RIPMandlaMaseko pic.twitter.com/KRKL4J8yUZ
— Phummy Shalvah (@phummynolo1) July 7, 2019

A testimony that our dreams are valid regardless of how far fetched they seem. #RIPMandlaMaseko #RIPAfronaut you're now in #PlanetHeaven, your final destination.
— Thula Thula (@siphukuthula_L) July 7, 2019

One of a few selected to go to space where we grew up. Didn't live long enough to achieve his dream. You inspired some of us. #ripmandlamaseko pic.twitter.com/YLdnF42iOl
— #letsBuildABank (@lebongobeni_) July 7, 2019