The Executive Committee of Senate
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THE EXECUTIVE DEAN
Geraldine Franciscus
Cornerstone Institute
THE EXECUTIVE DEAN
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 Africaās (PsySSAās) Annual Congress. Her Masterās thesis examined the āAttitudes and Responses of Teachers to Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure.ā
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.
CHAIRPERSON
Jabulani Chitanga
Research and Ethics Committee (REC)
CHAIRPERSON
Jabulani Chitanga is a Researcher, Psychology Lecturer, Research Supervisor, small to medium-scale Farmer, and Project Manager (retail and hospitality industry). He is skilled in Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) analysis, Microsoft Excel data analysis for research, Module/Curriculum development, Moderation, Assessment development, Online teaching technologies, Microsoft Office, and farming (crops and animals). Jabulani graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology from the University of Zimbabwe, a Bachelor of Psychology Honours from Cornerstone Institute and a Master of Arts Research Psychology from the University of the Western Cape. He is currently a PhDāpsychology candidate at UWC. Jabulani has had papers presented at the Psyssa conference and Monash University Australia. Above all, he loves people (mainly his wife and two children) and wants to make a difference in communities.
HEAD
Geoff Schreiner
Faculty Entrepreneurship and Economic Transformation (FEET)
HEAD
Geoff Schreiner holds a Masterās degree in the Sociology of Work from Warwick University (UK), which he completed in 1987 following his studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. Throughout his career, Geoff has been deeply involved in the labour movement and played a significant role in the National Peace Accord, for which he was honored with the Martin Luther King Peace Prize. Geoffās expertise extends to manufacturing and supply chain best practices and digital transformation in business. As an APICS Senior Supply Chain Professional, he has continually expanded his knowledge in these areas, staying at the forefront of industry trends. In 1996, Geoff established Performance Solutions Africa (PSA), focusing on management development and operational efficiency. PSA, which remains operational today, primarily caters to the educational and small business sectors. Additionally, Geoff spent 12 years at Competitive Capabilities International, where he held the position of Global Products Director. In this role, he was responsible for developing and distributing operations and supply chain best practices on a digital platform, catering to leading global corporations. In late 2021, Geoff joined Cornerstone Institute, assuming leadership in developing the Business Studies unit. His primary objective is to provide globally relevant teaching and learning experiences that prepare students for the rapidly changing landscape of the new world of work.
LECTURER
Stephen Langtry
Department of General Education
LECTURER
Stephen Langtry holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Industrial & Organisational Psychology and Religious Tradition and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing, both earned from the University of Cape Town. Stephen is a lecturer in the Department of General Education at Cornerstone Institute. Additionally, he serves as the Chairperson of the Board of the Camissa Museum, an institution dedicated to restorative justice and education, emphasizing the narratives of the people of the Cape. Before assuming his current roles, Stephen worked as an independent consultant, catering to various clients, including the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business and the Western Cape Department of Local Government. His previous positions include serving as the Campus Registrar at North-West University, Executive Manager to the Vice-Chancellor at the University of North-West, and holding various positions at the University of Cape Town. During his tenure at the Electoral Commission from 2005 to 2016, Stephen played a pivotal role in organizing South Africaās democratic elections and providing technical electoral assistance to other countries. Stephen is also an accomplished writer, with his work featured in notable publications such as Agbowó, the Mail & Guardian, and The Johannesburg Review of Books. He is a regular contributor to the UCT News website.
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES
Beverley Dankers
Cornerstone Institute
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES
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. Beverleyās 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 organizationās 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 Beverleyās 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.
REGISTRAR
Elana Van Zyl
Cornerstone Institute
REGISTRAR
Elana van Zyl has found herself in various work settings throughout her multifaceted career, from the production floor to the board room. Her work experience includes production planning, various administrative roles, human resources management and working in various roles in higher education for 10 years. She has a hands-on approach to working, and loves the challenge of mastering a new skill. Elana therefore has a wide ātoolboxā of skills to utilise in her current roles, of which teaching, administration, and analytical and strategic thinking are only a few. For Elana, inspiration is sometimes found in the beauty of nature, a good book, a serendipitous conversation, or a song - she oftentimes finds it in the most unlikely places. Elanaās biggest inspiration is the ability to be a witness to the process in which a person finds themself and their purpose, and unfurls and blooms. Elana believes that a person is always in the process of becoming, and that in finding themselves, people make an impact on the world and find ways of being that impact the world.
HEAD
Leo Mpira
Department of Sociology
HEAD
Leo Mapira is a Development Sociologist with a passion for engaged scholarship. His research interests span industrial development, micro-community development, trade unionism, and labour relations. Leo served in various research and teaching positions at different higher education institutions in South Africa and as a researcher in the corporate sector. Leo holds a Master's Degree in Industrial Sociology from the University of Cape Town. Leo is a Lecturer and Acting Head of the Department of Sociology and Community Development at Cornerstone Institute. He is currently completing doctoral studies in Industrial Sociology at the University of Cape Town. When he is not teaching, researching, and studying, he practices playing Mbira (African thumb piano). Leo Mapira is a Development Sociologist with a passion for engaged scholarship. His research interests span industrial development, micro-community development, trade unionism, and labour relations. Leo served in various research and teaching positions at different higher education institutions in South Africa and as a researcher in the corporate sector. Leo holds a Master's Degree in Industrial Sociology from the University of Cape Town. Leo is a Lecturer and Acting Head of the Department of Sociology and Community Development at Cornerstone Institute. He is currently completing doctoral studies in Industrial Sociology at the University of Cape Town. When he is not teaching, researching, and studying, he practices playing Mbira (African thumb piano).
ACTING FACULTY MANAGER
Maryka Van Niekerk
Faculty
ACTING FACULTY MANAGER
Maryka van Niekerk serves as the Faculty Manager at Cornerstone Institute, where she is dedicated to supporting faculty members and ensuring a seamless academic experience for staff and students. With a passion for education and a friendly, approachable nature, she strives to create a positive and collaborative environment. Her role involves coordinating faculty activities, assisting with academic operations, and enhancing the learning experience. Maryka enjoys working closely with students and educators to foster a dynamic and supportive academic community.