The memorial service of 30-year-old Mandla Maseko, also known as Space-boy, was held today in Pretoria.
Mandla Maseko died in motorbike crash on Saturday.
At the Maseko family home in Mabopane lays Mandla’s damaged bike. His life cut short and his space dream will never materialise.
Mandla was set to become the first black African in space. Maseko earned the name Space-boy after beating 1 million people to become one of 23 people bagging a seat on an hour long sub-orbital space trip.
His family, friends and colleagues spoke so well of Mandla, saying he lived his best life and was a peoples person. A gentlemen with a big heart.
Maseko worked for the South African Air Force and his colleagues have also paid tribute to him.
Colonel Eugene Motati says Maseko was a great colleague and friend.
Space-boy grew up on the dusty streets of Soshanguve. He trained as a private pilot, and became a corporal in the South African National Defence Force.
Maseko’s funeral service will be held in Mabopane on Saturday. He will be laid to rest at the Randfontein Cemetery in Tshwane.
