Beverley heads the Student Development and Support team. Her main function is to ensure that students have a meaningful student experience and that students are aware of and make use of the various areas of support offered. She works closely with governing structures and sits on various committees where she represents the student body. It gives her great satisfaction to be a part of a team that helps students be empowered through education.

Beverley is a proud alumna of Cornerstone Institute and graduated with a Bachelor of Theology in 2010. She then went on to do a Bachelor of Social Science Honours degree at the University of Cape Town. Beverley joined the Student Development and Support team at Cornerstone in March 2015, and in 2016 completed a Masters in Education majoring in Curriculum and Instruction through Concordia University in the USA. She also did a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology in 2022 and is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Jacqui Nzuwa’s journey with Cornerstone began with pursuing an undergraduate Bachelor of the Arts degree in Psychology. Her dedication to the institution continued as she transitioned from a Student Registered Counsellor during her B-psych. Equivalent practicum in 2021 to a Registered Counsellor with the HPCSA. Jacqui has served the Cornerstone community in various roles, from an Academic Support Officer during her undergraduate days to a Student Support Officer, offering holistic assistance to every student.

Now, as the Student Development Coordinator for SDS, Jacqui harnesses her rich academic and institutional experience. She is deeply committed to fostering academic prowess among Cornerstone students, spearheading efforts in academic advising, support coordination and execution, and organizing developmental workshops and programs. She is the driving force behind the Online Communities @ Cornerstone initiative, a project aimed at integrating distance-mode students into the broader institutional community.

Driven by a passion for people and their potential, Jacqui continuously seeks ways to help students surmount challenges and thrive in their academic endeavours.

Solomso Menzi is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Registered Counsellor. She obtained a B. Psych degree from Walter Sisulu University. She is dedicated when it comes to supporting individuals and providing short-term counselling to assist with life’s challenges.

Solomso believes in a holistic (bio-psycho-social) approach to counselling and uses some of these aspects in her approach to promoting self-awareness and an enhanced sense of personal well-being. The counselling process facilitates the unlocking of one’s own set of unique strengths and values which can help one better manage both our everyday lives and moments of crisis. Her background in art has enabled her to develop creative psycho-reflective art techniques which, together with talk therapies, work toward improving and optimizing overall wellness.

Solomso is also passionate about inspiring people and has a personal rags-to-riches story that she loves sharing with anyone interested in listening. With a focus on creating a more inclusive society, another passion of hers is supporting neurodiverse individuals and promoting understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity.

Sisipho Mdalanga is a tech-savvy professional originally based in Bloemfontein, South Africa. He specializes in IT system development and database management within the Higher Education sector. With a solid foundation in these fields, he pursued further education at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town, earning a diploma in Business & Information Administration. He is currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma to further develop his skills. Sisipho’s passion for leveraging technology for the greater good is matched only by his belief in kindness and personal growth. He strives to cultivate others toward a brighter future, embodying a philosophy of elevating both himself and those around him. With his unique blend of technical skills and business acumen, Sisipho is equipped to make a meaningful impact within the Higher Education industry.

As the Academic Support Officer in SDS, Ferhensha is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for students entering tertiary education, with a specialised focus on developing their academic writing and meeting tertiary-level requirements. She pioneers key departmental projects, including the design and content for the SDS Funda site, online resources, videos, study resources and infographics aimed at creating academic ease for distance-mode students. A former Cornerstone student herself, Ferhensha combines institutional insight with genuine understanding to walk alongside students across programmes, guiding them toward confidence and success.

Xabiso Mnyengeza has a strong background in managing teams, driving performance, and ensuring the achievement of organizational objectives. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise in project management, student success, and process optimization, contributing to both operational efficiency and the positive development of students, individuals, and teams. He is dedicated to continuous improvement and keen to foster collaboration and create environments that support growth. His focus on performance, communication, and strategic planning is valued and contributes to the student experience.

Xabiso’s function in SDS is to enhance student satisfaction and institutional effectiveness by leading First-Year Academic Pathways, analysing data, and driving the department’s continuous improvement cycle.

MéniQue Haasbroek joins the Student Development Services (SDS) team as a Student Registered Counsellor (SRC) within the Health and Wellness Department. She is currently registered with the HPCSA and will be supporting students with well-being and mental health. Originally from Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, MéniQue previously studied through Nelson Mandela University and Varsity College in Port Elizabeth. She is passionate about creating safe, supportive spaces where students can explore personal growth, build resilience, and thrive academically and personally. MéniQue looks forward to connecting with students and contributing to the holistic wellness and development of the Cornerstone community.