The 30-year-old hails from Gandlanani ka Khani outside Giyani. Masonto says she is motivated by a hunger for knowledge. “Education has always held a magnetic allure for me, especially within the realm of language. “Even as a child, my shelves were lined with my own penned poems and short stories, fuelling my linguistic explorations,” she says.

Juggling the demands of her PhD studies, work and navigating the complexities of her son who has dyslexia as the primary caregiver, have been challenging. “It required me to temporarily set aside my doctoral pursuits to focus on his needs.” She is currently a lecturer at UNIZULU specialising in general linguistics. Masonto went to school at Kutsakeni Primary School and then to Malenga High School where she matriculated in 2011.

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She did a degree in media studies at the University of Limpopo and two years later obtained an Honours degree in translation and linguistics. In 2018 she completed her Master’s degree, together with a postgraduate certificate in education. In 2019 she became a teacher at her first school, Kutsakeni Primary School teaching Gr 4s and Gr 5s. After two other positions she joined the UNIZULUn April 2021. She says self-belief is the key to her success.

“Consider confidence to be a personal journey rather than a destination. “With each step you take, explore the thrilling depths of your potential. “Feel the pulse of your ability coming in tune with your objectives. “Allow your spirit to fly and your mind to spark with the flame of possibilities. “You are not only capable; you are meant for greatness,” she concludes.