PHAKHATHI - Mr MP Masango proved that the Tsonga saying 'mitirho ya vula-vula' (hard work pays) is indeed true after he scooped the best maths/science teacher of the year award for Limpopo Province.

He received the award about two weeks ago at a function held at the Oasis Hotel in Polokwane.

Mr Masango (40) is a teacher at Shimambana Primary School at Phakhathi Village just outside Malamulele. He is a born again Christian who is known to many people as the revivalist. He is also a choreographer, author and photographer.

He started his teaching career in 1992 at Shimambane Primary School where he still works today. He completed his senior Primary Teaching diploma from Hoxani College of Education (Malamulele) in 1986.

In 1991, he went to Giyani Science Centre where he obtained his diploma in Science education. "While working at Shimambane School, I enrolled at the University of the North for a BA degree in 1994 up to 1997 thereafter I went to the Rand Afrikaanse University where I obtained my diploma in Practical Science during 1998 and 2000. Currently, I am studying Maths and Science at Wits University," states Mr Masango.

He further stated that in 1998 he established his own Private School, Maranatha School of Science which offers English, Maths, Science, Biology, Computer and Technology to learners from Grade 8 to 12 and it is registered as a non-profit organisation. Today the school has 283 learners and nine teachers, five males and four females as an effort to practice affirmative action.

As part of the award, he received a computer system, certificate, a hand watch, T-shirts and R1 000.