In the heart of Johannesburg, a vibrant circus program is changing the lives of young performers from the Alexandra township, one of the city’s most densely populated and impoverished areas. The initiative, run in partnership with Jozi Circus School and the professional troupe The Cirk, offers training, performance opportunities and paid work to participants who would otherwise face limited job prospects.
From township streets to the circus ring
Brian Ngobese, 29, grew up in Alexandra and now dazzles audiences on an aerial hoop. “We just want to show people that we can make it out of the township,” he told the Associated Press. His journey began when a 2019 audition for a Joburg Theatre production led him to The Cirk, which invited him to stay and train as a circus artist.
Ngobese’s older brother introduced him to South African street and social dancing, and he later added contemporary, hip‑hop and other styles. The circus program gave him formal training, transportation support and a steady income, allowing him to turn his passion into a profession.
Building a pathway for the unemployed
According to Statistics South Africa, unemployment among 18‑ to 34‑year‑olds was about 45 % in 2025. The program’s organizer, Michelle Fok, says the goal is to create a platform that channels the country’s abundant talent into professional circus work, helping young people avoid long periods on the fringe of the labor market.
Participants train for years to develop the strength, flexibility and discipline required for professional performances. Some become instructors, while others secure contracts with production companies or The Cirk itself. The program sustains itself through ticket sales, performances and other circus‑related work, reducing reliance on external funding.
Stories of friendship and perseverance
Ngobese’s fellow performer, Zenzele Letsoela, 38, grew up in the same township and trained in ballet and pantsula, a fast‑paced local dance style. Though terrified of heights, Letsoela learned to work around his fear, performing as a “magical tree” in the show while admitting, “I am dying inside” when he flies above the stage.
Another participant, 22‑year‑old Megan Nielsen, attaches a carabiner to a braid and swings from a five‑meter rope, describing the experience as both painful and liberating. Her mother is proud of her achievements but prefers not to watch the performances.
Limited slots, high demand
The program can fully support only four participants each year, meaning many hopeful applicants must be turned away. Co‑founder Orlando Vargas emphasizes the ambition to develop world‑class circus talent from Johannesburg, stating, “If you want to do something for the continent, for the world, it’s from Johannesburg.”
By the end of each show, performers like Ngobese embody the program’s mission: a young man from a disadvantaged background soaring on an aerial silk, earning applause and a sustainable livelihood.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
