Senior Management
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Basier Dramat
Chief Executive Officer
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After completing his studies, Dramat honed his skills and expertise at Shrand and Ekermans Chartered Accountants, working under the guidance of Grant Ekermans. He quickly progressed in his career, serving as an audit manager at Shrand and Ekermans before joining HS Accounting as a junior partner. In 2002, he achieved a significant milestone by registering as a professional accountant with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). He founded his accounting practice, AB Dramat Professional Accountants, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit in 2004.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Dramat has consistently maintained a strong commitment to community involvement. He currently holds the position of Financial Director on Earthlife Africa, the Green Connection, and Darkroom Contemporary boards. He also showcases his interest in sports governance by serving as a member of the general council of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, where he actively contributes to the finance committee.
In 2015, Dramat took a step further in his academic career by joining Cornerstone Institute as a Financial Manager, working under the guidance of Noel Daniels and Marcel Golding. His exceptional management and financial skills earned him the distinction of becoming the institute’s first Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2018. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Dramat completed an MBA with MANCOSA in 2020.
In 2021, he was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Aurora University, a sister company of Cornerstone Institute. Presently, he serves as the Acting CEO of Cornerstone Institute, where he plays a pivotal role in strategic planning and operational management.
Dramat’s broad expertise and unwavering dedication make him an inspirational figure in the fields of finance, education, and community development.
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Dr. Marianne Louw
The Executive Dean
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As the editor of the African Journal of Non-Profit Higher Education (AJNPHE), Dr. Louw actively contributes to advancing scholarly research and publication within the institute. Additionally, she serves as the chairperson of the Senate and various subcommittees, playing a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of the organization.
Dr. Louw’s academic journey began with the University of the Free State (UFS), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication and later a BA Honours in Communication. Prior to entering academia, she worked as a journalist for a prominent daily newspaper in Johannesburg. Her passion for writing and Communication led her to become the copy editor and eventually the editor of a national lifestyle magazine for women.
Joining the Communication Department of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Dr. Louw embarked on her academic career. During this time, she co-authored a groundbreaking South African textbook on interpersonal Communication, titled “Let’s Talk about interpersonal communication,” which has undergone multiple successful editions.
Dr. Louw established her own business in the late 1990s, providing training and coaching services to corporate clients. While managing her business, she pursued her academic growth, obtaining a Master of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (Personal, Interpersonal, and Professional Leadership) cum laude from UJ. She further enhanced her coaching skills by completing a Certificate in Life and Business Coaching from The VIP Institute, accredited by the University of the Northwest.
Returning to academia, Dr. Louw joined Monash South Africa, a campus affiliated with Monash University, where she initially served as the section head of Communication and Media Studies. Her dedication and expertise led to her appointment as the Bachelor of Social Sciences programme manager. During this period, she completed her Doctor of Literature and Philosophy in Communication, focusing her research on a theoretical framework for constructive interpersonal leadership relations in knowledge-based organizations.
Dr. Louw’s leadership capabilities were recognized during a transitional period at Monash South Africa when she assumed the role of acting executive dean of the School of Social and Health Sciences. Her commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring the continuity of academic operations played a vital role in the institution’s success.
In early 2021, Dr. Louw joined Cornerstone Institute as the Deputy Dean of Faculty Operations and Quality Assurance. In this role, she has significantly contributed to internal operations and developing robust quality assurance systems and procedures. Her dedication and expertise have further enhanced the institute’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
With her extensive academic and professional background, Dr. Marianne Louw brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current role as the acting Executive Dean at Cornerstone Institute.
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Dr. Blaine Lomberg
Chief Technology Officer
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He was named as Cornerstone Institute’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in May 2021, where he would manage Cornerstone’s continuous commitment to the delivery of effective and relevant services in the field of information and communications technology.
Blaine is particularly interested in how technology may be used to promote more fair education in society.
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Dr. Crystal Jannecke
Registrar and Chairperson: Policy Review Committee (PRC)
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Throughout her career, Crystal has gained valuable experience in various areas. She has held post-doctoral fellowships at the University of the Western Cape and Stellenbosch University, where she further honed her research and academic skills. Her expertise extends beyond academia, as she has also delved into academic administration, institutional management, research management, higher education teaching, community development, the trade union, domestic work, and child care.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Crystal remains deeply connected to her community. She utilizes her passion for music and choral singing within the context of the Moravian Church to foster youth and community development. This platform provides an avenue for nurturing and building relationships, helping individuals grow and thrive. Crystal also dedicates her time to academic coaching, supporting learners at various stages of their educational journey. She firmly believes in empowering students to take responsibility for their academic success and prepares them to embrace challenges and strive for excellence.
Crystal remains committed to facilitating innovative systems and processes recognizing prior learning, ensuring everyone can pursue their educational goals. Her dedication to this cause is driven by a belief in the transformative power of education and its ability to create positive change in individuals and communities.
In her personal life, Crystal enjoys taking leisurely walks, singing, and practicing yoga.
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Adeliah Jacobs
General Manager and HR Lead
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Adeliah possesses a unique talent for connecting dots, simplifying complex themes, and fostering enabling environments that empower individuals to leverage their strengths. Her extensive background includes working and volunteering at non-governmental organizations in the primary healthcare sector and in production and engineering companies within the private sector.
Additionally, she has gained valuable experience at a manufacturing and distribution company in the corporate sector. One of Adeliah’s defining qualities is her commitment to active listening and her ability to help individuals and teams unlock their potential. Her passion for social entrepreneurship led her to launch two businesses between 2016 and 2020. Through these ventures, she has demonstrated her resilience and embraced the concept of failing forward, using setbacks as valuable learning opportunities.
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Beverley Dankers
Deputy Dean of Student Development and Support
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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.