DJ to be first black African in space

A DJ who grew up in an impoverished South African township is set to become the first black African to enter space.

Mandla Maseko speaks to a journalist in front of two NASA spacesuits - AAP-1.jpg

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Published 27 January 2014 3:40pm

Updated 27 January 2014 4:32pm

By Michael Kenny

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A DJ who grew up in an impoverished South African township is set to become the first black African to enter space.

25-year-old Mandla Maseko will set off onboard the United States spaceship Lynx Mark Two next year after being among the winners of a lucrative Apollo space academy competition.

Mr Maseko was among the 23 entrants selected for the space trip out of one million who entered the competition and will also receive a rize of about $115,000 for his efforts.

He has told Michael Kenny, he feels overwhelmed by the task ahead of him.

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