Beverley Dankers has experienced diverse cultures and significantly contributed to the United States and Swaziland. With a passion for education and community development, she has actively engaged with tertiary institutions for the past decade, bringing her expertise and commitment to various roles. Beverley’s educational journey began in 2009 at Cornerstone Institute, where she laid the foundation for her future endeavors. In 2010, she graduated with a BTh in Community Development, equipping her with the necessary skills to positively impact society. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a BSocSc Honours degree in Development Studies at the prestigious University of Cape Town, which she completed in 2012. She sought further growth and expertise and obtained an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University in 2016. While at the African Christian College (NPO) in Swaziland, Beverley taught women, youth, and children as an educator. She imparted knowledge and managed the college cafeteria, ensuring a conducive learning environment for all. Her commitment to serving people extended to The Luke Commission (NPO), where she held the administrator position. In this role, she managed the office and provided leadership to the staff, contributing to the organization’s overall success. Before joining the Student Services Department at Cornerstone Institute, Beverley gained valuable experience at UWC in the alum relations office. Her role involved fostering relationships with alums, highlighting their achievements, and strengthening connections within the university community. Family holds a special place in Beverley’s life. She is a proud mother to a civil engineer son who resides in Secunda, South Africa. Her daughter and son-in-law are graphic designers showcasing their creative talents. However, it is her granddaughters who bring her immense joy and pride.

Ms. Geraldine Franciscus is a Counselling Psychologist, a Senior Lecturer, and the Head of the Psychology Department at Cornerstone Institute. She has been a Psychology lecturer for over 20 years. She has a special interest in Brain Working Recursive Therapy and Solution Focussed Brief Therapy and its application in South Africa. Geraldine has been involved in collaborative research. Some of this research has resulted in a publication in the International Journal of Higher Education and Democracy and conference presentations at the Psychological Society of South Africa’s (PsySSA’s) Annual Congress. Her Master’s thesis examined the ‘Attitudes and Responses of Teachers to Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure.’ She is passionate about promoting community mental health and emotional well-being. Geraldine is an executive member of the South African Association of Counselling Psychology and Division of PsySSA. She was the Chair of the division from 2019-2021 and the Vice Chair from 2017-2019. She has done several radio interviews addressing Mental Health and well-being. Geraldine completed a BA of Arts degree in Psychology (1994), Psychology Honours (1996), and a Masters in Counselling Psychology at UWC. She has also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and an HR Certificate through the University of Technology and completed Assessor training with the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Geraldine is currently pursuing PhD studies. She has a part-time counselling practice and enjoys the therapeutic space and facilitating training & workshops. Beverley’s educational journey began in 2009 at Cornerstone Institute, where she laid the foundation for her future endeavors. In 2010, she graduated with a BTh in Community Development, equipping her with the necessary skills to positively impact society. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a BSocSc Honours degree in Development Studies at the prestigious University of Cape Town, which she completed in 2012. She sought further growth and expertise and obtained an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University in 2016. While at the African Christian College (NPO) in Swaziland, Beverley taught women, youth, and children as an educator. She imparted knowledge and managed the college cafeteria, ensuring a conducive learning environment for all. Her commitment to serving people extended to The Luke Commission (NPO), where she held the administrator position. In this role, she managed the office and provided leadership to the staff, contributing to the organization’s overall success. Before joining the Student Services Department at Cornerstone Institute, Beverley gained valuable experience at UWC in the alum relations office. Her role involved fostering relationships with alums, highlighting their achievements, and strengthening connections within the university community. Family holds a special place in Beverley’s life. She is a proud mother to a civil engineer son who resides in Secunda, South Africa. Her daughter and son-in-law are graphic designers showcasing their creative talents. However, it is her granddaughters who bring her immense joy and pride.

Eugene Brandt has more than a decade of experience in corporate South Africa.

Dr. Martin Khoaseb joined Cornerstone Institute in 2022 as the Head of the Centre for Teaching and Learning. This CTL ensures that Cornerstone integrates teaching, learning, and scholarship, emphasizing social justice education, integrated work program, and related academic initiatives. The life experiences and growing up as a young man during turbulent political unrest in the 80s and 90s have significantly shaped Martin’s life and worldview. The quest for self-actualization and self-identity has been his driving force, personal faith encounters, and inspirational leadership of liberation stalwarts greatly influenced these. Martin’s educational journey began with a Diploma in Primary Education, which led to him working as an educator at the primary school level for over eight years. Building upon his foundation, he pursued further qualifications, including a Licentiate in Theology from the Bible Institute of South Africa, a Bachelor of Honours from UNISA, a Master of Theology from the University of Free State, and a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from the University of Stellenbosch in 2014. Martin has worked in various administrative and managerial capacities for non-profit organizations (NPOs). He was the Director of Scripture Union Namibia from 1997-1999 and Provost/ Principal of Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary from 2003-2007. As Director and Principal, he was responsible for oversight of all operations. Some key performance areas were recruiting, retaining, and developing lecturers and staff and ensuring quality teaching and learning. Since completing his Ph.D. in 2014, he has held adjunct positions at different institutions with diverse levels of responsibility, but all engaged in teaching and learning. At the African Leadership University of Southern Africa (ALUSA) from 2016-2021, he was responsible for teaching and learning direction, lecturer engagement, student support, and academic administration. At Cape Town Biblical College (2016-2021), the responsibilities were for the program, course coordination, and lecturing, including designing and developing courses. As facilitator (2018-2020) of Bachelor of Theology Degree students of Northwest University, he was involved in contact and distance mode with students and lecturers. Martin has 12 years of lecturing experience at higher education institutions. Martin is a catalyst for alleviating social and structural injustices and causes of human degradation. He believes that the main challenge in Africa is the need for more credible and selfless leadership. His vision for the continent centers around nurturing value-based leaders who are dedicated to a transformative educational agenda, upholding human dignity, and championing social justice.