Dr Nicolene Steyn, 25, sets a new record as the youngest PhD law graduate at NWU to date.
North West, South Africa (26 July 2021) – A 25-year-old woman from North West is now the youngest PhD law graduate at the North-West University (NWU) to date.<
From her school days at Zeerust, Steyn was a studious student who worked extremely hard in her academics. The difference was that she did all that, not just for grades but also to make a difference. A difference for the people she grew up with and a difference for her own country.
With that magnificent aim, she was soon approached by the ‘Ouers, Onderwysers en Oud-leerder Stigting,’ a foundation set up to empower the financial side of children who were topping in academics but had a lack of financial support to assist their growth. It was then; her new journey started at the NWU.
After the unfortunate loss of her father at age 21, her determination grew more robust. She finished her bachelor’s degree in Law and found her passion for legal research, after which she completed her master’s through a research dissertation course at NWU. She was awarded the “Most Outstanding Master’s Law Student” for her excellent performance in her two-year LLM course, which she had completed in just a year.
At a point in everyone’s life, there is a moment of miracle. For Steyn, she met Professor Anél du Plessis, a chair member at the National Research Foundation (NRF). She stunned the members of the foundation by completing her PhD thesis with a unique theme in a mere year.
Du Plessis had applauded her thought process and had said that her works would soon be recognized on a greater level amongst the public shortly.
Her LLM research was based on “the realization of the constitutional water right in South African cities through intelligent water management technologies” which was crafted intricately, showing her passion for what she does.
Steyn’s ambition has now reached the next level of becoming a professor before the age of 30 and setting new records, thereby creating a difference in her society, for which she has worked all these years with dedication and perseverance.
This young woman inspires many people and proves that age is a mere number when one has the will and wants to do a deed for a more significant cause.
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