Maricélle Botes, a final-year PhD student at the North-West University`s (NWU’s) Research Unit for Law, Justice and Sustainability, has been honoured with the National Research Foundation’s (NRF’s) Research Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Law category.

The award, presented at a glittering event, recognised her outstanding academic performance and demonstrated potential for contributing significantly to the national system of innovation.

“Receiving the NRF Excellence Award for Next Generation Researchers is a profound honour and a testament to the dedication and hard work I've invested in my academic journey thus far,” says an elated Maricélle.

Her research delves into the legal framework for climate resilience in South African cities and involves an in-depth analysis of city-level law-making.

Through empirical research in three secondary South African cities, she is aiming to understand the current legal landscape and identify areas for improvement.

“This recognition means a great deal to me. It underscores the value of the research I'm conducting, its potential impact on our society, and the different fields of law I am engaging with in my PhD research,” adds Maricélle.

Maricélle attributes her success to support from academics such as Prof Mitzi Wiese, the research unit director, Prof Anèl du Plessis, extraordinary law professor, her colleagues and her family and friends.

Maricélle is a PhD researcher in the NRF SARChI: Cities, Law and Environmental Sustainability (CLES) focus area.

The research chair utilises law to find innovative juridical solutions to advance justice and sustainability in South Africa and the region. The focus is on human

vulnerability, environmental change, justice in practice and finance, trade and innovation.

 Prof Bismark Mzubanzi Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, with Maricélle Botes at the awards ceremony. Maricélle lives by her favourite quote that “Anything is possible if you've got enough nerve".