Dr Mmapake Masha

University of Limpopo

Nominee's Province:
Limpopo

Age:
32

Project Name/Description:
Lecturer in Agriculture Education at the University of Limpopo

More info:

Growing up in a remote village of Moomane Ga-Masha in the Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, Dr Mmapake Masha was taught fundamental values such as perseverance, that nothing comes easy in life, and that one must work hard to thrive in this world. She said these principles kept her afloat in her journey towards the PhD. She described the journey as nothing short of challenges but fulfilling. Having to change the research approach to best achieve the objectives as new themes emerged, Dr Masha says the process was tedious. Also, striking the balance between full-time employment as a lecturer and collecting data as well as conducting literature review necessitates meticulous time management. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 2011 and her master’s degree in 2015. Dr Masha has supervised one honours student and 38 PGCE students, as well as authored a paper and a book chapter in international journals. Her research interests are in teacher development, learners’ development and pedagogical approaches in the teaching of agricultural sciences