A student at Stellenbosch University (SU) recently became one of the youngest people ever to receive their doctorate from SU.
This is according to Dr Giséle Chloé Lavita. Her second year SU masters degree thesis was recently upgraded to a doctorate.
She is currently a senior lecturer at the University of Johannesburg department of private law, said Giséle.
“The day I received the news that I would be upgrading to an LLD felt surreal, given the rarity of having the privilege to upgrade to a doctorate,” she said.
In addition to studying full-time, Lavita worked as a waitress, tutor, and part-time lecturer in order to help fund her studies, said Wendy Lavita, Giséle’s mother.
“[Dr Giséle Chloé Lavita] was engaged as a research intern at the South African research chair in property law, facilitated through Stellenbosch University’s (SU) law faculty. Giséle spent her days working on campus during office hours, and at night she would come home and work online as a writer to supplement her income,” said Wendy Lavita, the mother of recent SU LLD recipient, Giséle. PHOTO: Thameenah Daniels
Legalities of Airbnb
The intention of her research was to determine the impact that Airbnb has over stakeholders’ rights, obligations and remedies, as well as on the community at large, said Giséle.
There is great value in clarifying the rights, responsibilities and obligations of those involved in short-term rentals such as Airbnb, said Prof Zsa-Zsa Boggenpoel, Giséle’s research supervisor.
South African law is clear when it comes to agreements surrounding long-term rentals, said Giséle. However Airbnb is a relatively new phenomenon and South African law has not directly addressed matters around this type of short-term rental operation yet, said Giséle.
“Don’t be afraid to make your needs known. Approach members of the law faculty, reach out to industry leaders on LinkedIn, network with your classmates, and attend university functions,” said Dr Giséle Chloé Lavita as advice to law students on how to make the most of your Law degree. PHOTO: Thameenah Daniels
The hard yards
“Throughout [Giséle’s] postgraduate studies, she worked during the early hours of the morning because it was very noisy in the complex where we lived. Despite the external distractions, Giséle was able to balance her life as a student, friend, and family member,” said Wendy.
“Her ability to study full-time while investing so much time and energy into the lives of others truly attests to the strong, motivated young woman that she is,” said Wendy Lavita, the mother of recent Stellenbosch University LLD recipient, Dr Giséle Chloé Lavita. PHOTO: Supplied/Stefan Els