Meet the
Team

Laurence co-founded Zip Zap Circus in Cape Town in 1992, using circus arts to drive social change and empower youth. With degrees in Physical & Sports Activities and Sports Institution Management, she combines life skills development with professional training. As CEO, she has led Zip Zap to global acclaim, securing commercial growth and prestigious performances for world leaders.

Recognized with top honors, including the Officer of the National Order of Merit (2024), her leadership has shaped a thriving circus family. A true change agent, Laurence continues to inspire children to dream bigger and create brighter futures.

Born in Cape Town in 1961, Brent has over 50 years of circus experience, performing and instructing internationally before founding Zip Zap Circus with his wife, Laurence, in 1992. An accomplished rigger, stuntman, and Artistic Director, Brent has dedicated his life to training young performers from all walks of life. He has received numerous awards, including the Mayor’s Medal for Youth Affairs and the Paul Harris Fellowship.

A passionate advocate for the performing arts, he also served as a jury member for prestigious circus festivals in Monte Carlo and Paris. Brent loves his family, cold sea swims, cooking, and his dogs.

Victoria completed most of her schooling in Switzerland, finishing in Oxford with an International Baccalaureate. She completed her BS in business studies and biochemistry at Duke University, North Carolina in the United States. Victoria later went on to study African Sub-Saharan history and literature in Paris, where she met her husband. In 1996, she started a family business in socially responsible venture capital, focusing on clean technologies and grassroots business. 

In 2003, Victoria opened “Songololo Children” in Barcelona; a children’s shop concentrating on the sale of socially responsible and eco-friendly toys, accessories, and clothing. She moved to Cape Town in 2005 and became the director of a property company that owns the Heritage Square and subsequently M.D. of the Cape Heritage Hotel. She joined Zip Zap in 2007 becoming the chair in 2008. In 2012 she took on the chair of the Children’s Radio Foundation.  In 2017 she took on the position of CEO of the family farm in Spain and in 2018 opened a health and movement centre in Cape Town. Her goal is to overcome her fear of public speaking by speaking at many women events promoting women in business and philanthropy.

Beryl is currently the Chairperson of the South African Biodiversity Institute. She serves on the board of Sandown Motors MB – a subsidiary in the Daimler stable. Her role is both as Chair of the HR and Transformation Committee and Chair of the Social and Ethics Committee.

Beryl is a trustee on the Pioneer Foods Educational Trust that further enhances the development of youth through education. Beryl is committed to the development of youth and women in our communities. 

A practicing attorney and founder of Bagraims Attorneys, Michael has been dedicated to law and public service for decades. Currently a Member of Parliament, he has held leadership roles in various organizations, including the Cape Chamber of Commerce, Zip Zap Circus, and multiple disability and human rights initiatives. Recognized for his contributions to labour law and human rights, he frequently engages with media on these topics.

Passionate about mentorship and advocacy, Michael balances his career with mountain walking and motorbike adventures. Married to Patsy, he remains committed to community impact.

Clarence’s upbringing made him deeply aware of the challenges faced by underprivileged communities. Though he grew up comfortably, his father’s work in a township and his time as a Scout Master shaped hispassion for youth development. A busy career limited his involvement, but more than 30 years ago, providing rigging equipment was his way of supporting Zip Zap’s mission, and over time, the relationship grew stronger.

Clarence is grateful to have contributed to Zip Zap’s success and to support Brent and Laurence’s incredible journey.

Born in Johannesburg in 1964, David built a career in finance and business leadership after earning his Chartered Accountant qualification. He held executive roles in international syndication and media before founding and leading AFS Group a global fuel logistics company. Passionate about family, mentorship, wildlife conservation, and sports, David balances business with personal interests like golf, hiking, and scuba diving. David serves as a trustee for Zip Zap Circus School, Courage Community Relief, Loveinabowl, Sisonke and the African Children’s Trust.

His journey reflects a commitment to learning, people, leadership, entrepreneurship, and giving back.

Brian met Brent and Laurence back in 2009, while serving with Doctors Without Borders. The rest is history. It was clear, back then already, that this would be a lifelong deal. A passionate HR Generalist and Training Specialist, he decided after several corporate years it was time to start his own HR Consultancy, Sakhile HR & Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd. He now services various businesses in his own time. Zip Zap will always be his home.

Is the Co-founder and Commercial Director of Blindspot Communication, a consultancy that helps organisations drive meaningful internal change and connect more deeply with their people. With over 20 years of experience and a BCom Honours in Business Management, she is passionate about storytelling, building authentic brands, and creating spaces where people feel seen and heard. Inspired by the energy and heart of Zip Zap, Tshepo is proud to support its mission of using the performing arts to uplift communities.

Outside of work, she prioritises holistic well-being and finds joy in hiking, meditation, good books, travel, and spending time with the people who matter most.

A proud husband and optimist, Bonga bring extensive experience in financial services, including expense management, budgeting, and investments. Formerly a member of the Old Mutual Group Finance Executive Committee, he led investor relations and handled local and international roadshows. Bonga also managed Citadel’s preference share portfolio and analyzed equities for large-cap stocks. A South African from Mthatha, he is passionate about reading, writing, cycling, and the spoken word.

A former SAICA top 35 under-35 finalist, he passed both SAICA board exams and CFA Level 1.

Completed her BA.LLB at the University of Witwatersrand in 1983 and was admitted as an Attorney, Conveyancer, and Notary Public in 1986. Bev had joined Shepstone & Wylie Attorneys as a Candidate Attorney in 1984 and became a Partner in 1989, continuing until her retirement in 2025.

Before studying law, Bev spent three years at UCT majoring in African Politics and worked in the UK for two years.

Gugu co-founded Black Powder after leaving his role at Jupiter Joburg, building a 100% black-owned agency focused on impactful work for black consumers. He envisions Black Powder as a world-class, proudly South African agency network driving industry transformation. Gugu is committed to understanding clients’ commercial needs and collaborating with agency partners for success. Currently optimizing Black Powder for growth, he also leads the Aquaboost project, aimed at driving clean energy and economic growth in Eswatini.

Gugu is dedicated to delivering exceptional work and expanding the agency’s industry presence.

Jean serves as the Finance Director at Red Rocket Group, overseeing the group’s financial management alongside the Group CFO. As a Chartered Accountant with over two decades of expertise, she dedicates herself to mentoring her team and encourages innovation and problem-solving through teamwork within the company. Her extensive background in auditing, before her tenure at Red Rocket, equips her to play a significant role in shaping robust financial and cost control measures within the organization.

She is firmly rooted in her principles, striving to make a positive, lasting difference in any capacity possible, believing that even the smallest change has the potential for far-reaching effects. Beyond work, she enjoys reading biographies, jogging, exploring new places and cultures, and cherishing moments with her family.

Nomathibana is the Managing Director (MD) of Cape Town-based boutique asset management firm, Terebinth Capital, where she is an equity partner and Senior Portfolio Manager. In her role as MD, she oversees the strategic direction of the business.

She also has Portfolio Management responsibilities across the Fixed Income product set, including Income, Bond and Hedge mandates. Nomathibana has a Master of Philosophy degree, with a major in Mathematics of Finance and a Bachelor of Business Science, with a major in Actuarial Science from the University of Cape Town. She is also a CFA Charter holder.

Rob is a devoted family man, married and proud father to three wonderful children. With 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, he is passionate about business and its potential to drive positive change. An avid sports enthusiast, Rob values teamwork and perseverance both on and off the field. His true mission, however, lies in making a lasting impact on the communities around him.

Through his work and dedication, he strives to uplift others and foster a brighter future for all.

With 20 years of experience in strategic marketing and branding across corporate and agency environments, Nthabiseng is a seasoned marketer with an EMBA qualification. She is passionate about building bold, impactful brands and leading dynamic teams to drive business success. An adventurer at heart, she loves traveling, art, and the outdoors.

Committed to youth development, she admires Zip Zap’s role in empowering young people to achieve their dreams. Inspired by lasting change, she believes in nurturing future leaders for a thriving nation.

With a background in politics, international relations, and digital marketing, Safiyah transitioned from corporate to entrepreneurship, launching her own business and the Undeniably You podcast. As a podcaster, business owner, and marketing consultant, Safiyah specialises in cross-channel marketing, business development, and brand innovation. Passionate about social change, she admires Zip Zap’s transformative impact on young people.

Outside of work, Safiyah enjoys yoga, meditation, travel, and meaningful connections.