Critical Dialogue Programmes
As an organisation dedicated to promoting human dignity and social justice, Cornerstone seeks to foster important conversations around human rights through a multifaceted approach that includes advocacy, lobbying, and research. Central to our mission is the Critical Dialogue series, a dynamic platform for public engagement that has been a cornerstone of our work since its inception in 2015.
Traditionally, these dialogues take the form of engaging physical events such as book launches, panel discussions, interactive workshops, exhibitions, and local film screenings. Each event is designed to stimulate public debate and inspire actionable change that moves society forward.
In South Africa, where the youth represent a significant portion of the population, our Critical Dialogue series places a particular emphasis on engaging young people. We believe fostering an environment where youth can actively participate in discussions about human rights is essential for building a more equitable society. By incorporating topics that resonate with younger generations, such as education, employment, and social justice, we aim to empower them to voice their concerns and contribute to the ongoing dialogue around human rights.
Moreover, our events are tailored to be interactive and accessible, encouraging young attendees to share their perspectives and experiences. We recognise that the issues facing today’s youth, ranging from economic inequality to climate change, are complex and multifaceted. By providing a platform for these discussions, we hope to inspire a sense of agency among young South Africans, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to advocate for their rights and the rights of others.
Through our Critical Dialogue series, Cornerstone Institute is committed to creating a vibrant space where the ideas and voices of youth can flourish, ultimately contributing to a more just and inclusive society for all.
You can join us on FACEBOOK and YOUTUBE, where you can also watch some of our previous episodes. Or you can follow us on INSTAGRAM and TWITTER if you’d like to be made aware of upcoming events.
Alternatively, get a prompt straight into your inbox by signing up for our Critical Dialogue mailing list. Simply CLICK HERE to sign up.
The rest of the details; time, date and venue will be communicated at the appropriate date and time. Watch this space!
For further information, email rsvp@cornerstone.ac.za or call 021 448 0050.
Khoisan Identity and Recognition in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Khoisan Identity and Recognition in Post-Apartheid South Africa 06 May 2025 Location: Castle of Good Hope Khoisan Identity and Recognition Image In collaboration with Camissa Museum, Cornerstone Institute hosted a powerful dialogue titled “Indigenous or Traditional Recognition?: Khoisan Identity, Recognition and Its Implications in Post-Apartheid South Africa.” Panellists Prof. Nigel Penn, Patric Tariq Mellet, and Annelize Kotze — moderated by Dr. Ncebakazi Mnukwana — reflected on history, identity, and justice for the Khoi and San peoples.
Read more 06 May 2025The Perversity of Gratitude: An Apartheid Edition, 23 September 2024
Book Launch The Perversity of Gratitude: An Apartheid Edition, 23 September 2024 We were pleased to invite attendees to a critical dialogue on Grant Farred's latest book, The Perversity of Gratitude: An Apartheid Education. This event featured a conversation between Professor Farred and Professor Crain Soudien, offering deep insights into South Africa's educational legacy and intellectual growth during the apartheid era.
Read more 23 September 2024Strengthening the Role of the Private Higher Education Sector for Youth Development
Critical Dialogue: Panel Discussion, 26 June 2024 Strengthening the Role of the Private Higher Education Sector for Youth Development Cornerstone Institute was pleased to announce a critical dialogue on “Inclusive Quality Education for All: Strengthening the Role of the Private Higher Education Sector for Youth Development.” This event addressed the pressing challenges and opportunities within the Private Higher Education (PHE) sector. Education is crucial to development and for improving the lives of young people globally. The higher education sector in South Africa is diverse, comprising various types of institutions. Despite numerous Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs), the industry faces significant challenges that hinder its full potential.
Read more 26 June 2024The Challenge of Literacy in South African Primary Education
CAPE TOWN, February 13th, 2024 - Cornerstone Institute, in collaboration with Oxford University Press Southern Africa (OUPSA), proudly announces the 2nd Critical Dialogue event which will take place on March 7th, 2024 at Workshop 17 situated at the V&A Waterfront. The event will tackle 'The Challenge of Literacy in South African Primary Education,' aiming to address the significant literacy challenges facing South Africa, particularly in primary education.
Read more 07 March 2024New Approaches to Local Government Service Delivery & Economic Development
In the wake of the recent local government elections, this episode of the Cornerstone Institute Critical Dialogues will take a deep dive into how to make local government more effective at delivering services to communities, as well as new approaches to stimulate economic development on the local community level.
Read more 16 December 2021What's the Point of Activism against GBVF?
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, emerging data and reports from those on the front lines have shown that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, has intensified. This is the growing ‘shadow pandemic’ – and we need a global collective effort to stop it. As COVID-19 cases continue to strain health services, essential services – such as domestic violence shelters and helplines – have reached capacity.
Read more 25 November 2021The Rising Cost of Homelessness in Cape Town
If you walk around any South African city it is impossible not to be struck by the number of homeless people there are – you can’t miss it, especially in the early evening when people who have nowhere else to stay are bedding down for the night in shop doorways, under bridges or in parks. It is difficult to quantify exactly how many people are sleeping on the streets in South Africa as no reliable national statistics are routinely collected.
Read more 11 November 2021“Artists Are Surviving Lockdown And Living To Tell The Tale.”
COVID-19 has rapidly changed the way that everyone — including artists and creative freelancers — conduct business. Cancelled shows and gigs, institutions that have gone under, isolation and mental health issues have all taken their toll. An August 2020 study in the US showed that unemployment is particularly high for performing artists in the wake of the Covid19 pandemic.
Read more 04 November 2021THE SCIENCE, POLITICS AND ECONOMICS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
“The people who are currently in power and responsible for making important decisions will not likely be alive in 20 – 30 years when the worst effects of the current rate of climate change will be felt. Therefore, they don’t have as much to lose from continuing to make bad decisions. By the time we inherit political and strategic power on this planet, it will be too late to make changes.”
Read more 21 October 2021New Cornerstone Critical Dialogues
As part of our collaboration with Bush Radio 89.5FM, South Africa's oldest community radio station, the next season of the Cornerstone Critical Dialogues will be taking on a new format.
Read more 07 October 2021Fed Up With Being Afraid - Tackling Gender Based Violence In South Africa
In the year 2019/2020 the South African Police Service recorded 53 776 sexual offences, with 42 664 of these being rape cases. While the final figures for 2021 are yet to be released, we know that many incidents remain undocumented, unreported and unaccounted for within national statistics.
Read more 11 August 2021