University of KwaZulu-Natal staffer Dr Nomkhosi Nzimande graduated with a PhD in education for research that explored the work done by teachers. Her study delved into teacher professionalism, intensification of teachers’ work and teacher stress.

Her intention was to explore, not only teachers’ but also parents’ everyday talk (rhetoric). ‘It looked at namely their conceptions, beliefs and taken-for-granted understandings about teachers’ work.’