South African circus creates opportunities for young performers
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In Johannesburg, South Africa, a circus program is providing young people from impoverished communities with training and employment.
Brian Ngobese, a 29-year-old from Alexandra township, found a career through the program after initially auditioning for a theatre production. The initiative helps performers develop skills in acrobatics, dance, and other circus arts, offering a path to paid work as instructors or with professional companies like The Cirk.
Alexandra township experiences high unemployment and poverty despite its proximity to Sandton, Johannesburg’s financial district. The program addresses a lack of training opportunities that often leaves young South Africans unemployed or in informal work. Statistics South Africa reported that unemployment among 18 to 34-year-olds reached around 45% in 2025. The circus aims to be self-sustaining through performances and training, reducing reliance on external funding.
Performers like Zenzele Letsoela, who overcame a fear of heights to become an aerial acrobat, have found both professional success and personal connection through the program. Ngobese and Letsoela, both from Alexandra, now perform together and have gained recognition for their combined skills, attracting audiences and further opportunities.
