UWC Future Researchers | Third Edition

Be proactive with your intentions and goals.

ERICK STWEBILE

Give us a brief overview of the research you have conducted so far?

Earlier this year, a sperm donor and his mother launched an application to obtain contact rights regarding a child born from his sperm. This case brought to light many legal questions for the South African legal profession. Namely, are sperm donor contracts valid, and if so, are they against public policy? Can sperm donors, surrogates, and egg donors have parental rights and responsibilities? These questions have also been raised in Australia. Therefore, I will compare South Africa’s legal position with that of Australia. My main research question is whether children should have the right to know their biological origin, and if so, to what extent can this right be enforced? The future is unpredictable, and I am carefully considering all my options. I am currently pursuing an academic career as a legal scholar. At some point, I might consider going into practice. I also want to start a community project aimed at nurturing the next generation of legal scholars.

Why did you apply for the NESP (Nurturing Emerging Scholars Programme)?

Firstly, according to the information on thewebsite, it looked like an amazing programme. Iapplied because I needed funding to enrol for amaster’s degree. However, the programme is notmerely funding. It provides one with the toolsrequired to become a scholar. There is also achance to complete the program overseas. Theinternship at the end of the master’s period wasparticularly attractive. I want to pursue a careeras a legal scholar.

How has the funding helped you with your research?

The funding has enabled me to keep myself well nourished. It has also helped with other living expenses. When a person is well-fed and can cover basic living expenses, it makes the learning and research experience easier. The funding has also enabled me to purchase the electronic devices necessary for my research. The funding enables me to pay for my UWC Kovacs residence fees. At Kovacs, I have my own room and quiet study space where I can conduct complete my research. In my room, I have a stable internet connection, allowing me to do research at any time of the day. Obtaining residence on campus also means I have access to the UWC library.

What were the motivations for you carrying out your research?

I have always had a passion for family law and realised its importance in our legal system. The area of sperm donations raises complex legal and philosophical questions that must be addressed. Conducting research in this area of law can be of great benefit to the legal fraternity.

What has kept you going during your research process?

Just the sheer reward that comes with completing this research. When I complete this research, I will be rewarded with an internship. And, as I said previously, it is important for the legal fraternity. My drive for success and competitiveness keeps me going. It has not always been easy. Sometimes I struggle with ideas. However, my goals keep me going through the tough times.

Who is/are your biggest inspirations, what inspires you?

My family is my greatest source of inspiration. My favourite high school teacher will always be another source of inspiration for me. Competition and the success stories of myfriends and colleagues also inspire me. Just the feeling of being involved and executing at thehighest level keeps me motivated.

What is the funniest/scariest or most embarrassing or the best thing that has happened to you as a researcher so far?

The scariest thing for me is the fear of not giving this research the justice it deserves. It is one of the most interesting yet complex topics I havee ver dealt with. A lot of rights and interests areweighed up against each other. The funniest

thing was the realisation that research is not as print, but a process of patience. The process of reading, brainstorming ideas, understanding the field of study, and the significance of the research project, made me realise that writing on a whim wouldn’t work. The most embarrassing thing is me realising research is a vital part of the legal fraternity. I used to make fun of legal scholars for wasting their time with all these secondary sources, i.e., journal articles. The arguments are never binding but always persuasive. I now realise that research is important as complex legal issues are being highlighted and discussed. Gaps in law are being highlighted and recommendations are provided, and they could be used as solutions.

What lessons can you share with an aspiring researcher/postgraduate student?

Be proactive with your intentions and goals.When I enrolled for my postgrad degree, I knewI would do research on family law. However, Ididn’t know what I would be researching. I onlylater found an appropriate topic to research.Read journal articles and attend research orpost-graduate webinars because you might finda topic of interest or even a career path. Reachout to other legal scholars, always show up andbe present in the moment, and do not worryabout perfection. Postgrad is a process, andalthough you will make mistakes, you will learnfrom them.

What impact did COVID-19 have on your work?

COVID-19 had a substantial impact on me personally. Firstly, it hampered my work ethic. At times, I found myself procrastinating on my work, thus becoming a cycle at one point. At the beginning of the year, it prevented me from accessing libraries and other legal minds. It also made it difficult to have face-to-face consultations or sessions with other legal scholars.

Describe your supervision experience in one word?

I would say the word “enriching” best describes it.

What does the future hold for you once you complete your studies?

The future is unpredictable, and I am carefullyconsidering all my options. I am currentlypursuing an academic career as a legal scholar.At some point, I might consider going intopractice. I also want to start a community projectaimed at nurturing the next generation of legalscholars.