Giséle Chloé Lavita (25) recently obtained a doctorate in law (LLD) at Stellenbosch University. (Photo: Stefan Els)
A 25-year-old woman who grew up under sometimes difficult conditions on the Cape Flats, her perseverance and tenacity have meant that she is now one of the youngest students to have obtained a doctorate in law (LLD) at Stellenbosch University (SU) .
During her studies, Giséle Chloé Lavita also worked as a research assistant, waiter and tutor to supplement her income – and all this during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, she looks back on this stressful period with gratitude as it taught her excellent time management skills.
What makes Lavita’s achievement even more remarkable is that her degree is based on research she did for her master’s degree in 2020. However, her research work, which focused on the regulation of Airbnb, was of such outstanding quality that external reviewers suggested an upgrade to an LLD. Lavita then completed her studies at doctoral level.
Prof. Juanita Pienaar, acting dean of the Faculty of Law, says two words remind her of Lavita: dedication and determination.
“She is extremely focused, dedicated to her studies and determined to have a positive influence on the community. She was never deterred by obstacles or challenges; in fact, it seems to have spurred her on. We are very proud of Giséle, the person she is and what she has achieved.”
The university says Lavita really took every opportunity that came her way – despite challenges in her personal circumstances.
She was raised by her single mother on the Cape Flats and achieved six distinctions in matric although they had to move due to financial constraints and Lavita changed schools.
When SU offered her a scholarship, she accepted it as “an opportunity to develop as an individual and get out of my comfort zone”.
Funding from SU and external donors made it possible for Lavita to continue her studies. In her final LLB year, she worked as a research assistant at the South African Chair in Property Law and received a scholarship to complete her master’s degree under the supervision of prof. Zsa-Zsa Boggenpoel to complete.
Due to her family’s financial circumstances, Lavita had to supplement her income further, and while studying full time, she also worked as a tutor and waiter.
“I was under tremendous pressure, but it was beneficial in the long run because I developed extraordinary time management skills. I think this is what enabled me to complete my LLD during Covid-19,” said Lavita.
She describes her years at SU as a period of considerable personal development. Her studies also enabled her to mix with people from all over the world and even improve her Afrikaans.
“I made lifelong friends who broadened my outlook, strengthened me in my Christian faith, exposed me to other cultures and made me receptive to new, exciting experiences.”
Lavita visited Germany as part of her studies to conduct a case study on the regulation of Airbnb in Berlin. This experience gave her a love for languages and she is now familiar with German and has also started to learn Spanish.
She is also involved in the Beautiful Life Training and Community Development Association, a charity organization on the Cape Flats that helps feed needy families, sends children to school and helps unemployed parents find work. During her undergraduate studies, she was also a mentor and supervisor for other students.
“My experience as a law student has truly humbled me. Now that I have obtained my LLD, I would like to enter academia.
“Regardless of the next step in my life, I am sure that my determination and ability to push through despite adversity will ensure that I have a positive effect on everyone around me, wherever that may be.”
