Mashatola, a Grade 7 English and Economics and Management Science educator at Moruji Primary School, says that teaching is a calling to him.

The learners have four different greeting options ranging from fist pump, hug and high five and any dance move which Mashatola has to imitate.

“I was looking for ways to making learning fun.

I came across videos of teachers from all over the world who were doing a similar thing.

I spoke to some of my colleagues about my idea and they encouraged me to implement it,” he explained.

Two months into the new tradition, Mashatola says he is already noticing differences in the attitudes of learners.

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He said that one of his learners who was reserved and had failed the grade last year, has become more interactive during class.

He believes that one of the biggest obstacles that educators are facing, especially in public schools, is overcrowding.

He has 135 learners between two classes and says it makes it hard to give learners the attention they deserve.

The learners love the new way of greeting.

“I love the fist pump, because it is more of a guy thing and it is an easy way of getting closer to my teacher,” explained Thabang Pilusa.

Mashatola says he is motivated by former learners becoming professionals and contributing back to their communities.

“My ultimate wish for my students is to see them being able to read and write properly. Recent research shows that most South African learners cannot read or write properly compared to their peers globally.”

He concluded by urging educators, parents and the members of the school governing bodies to work together in making education easy for the students.