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Things were tough at home – money was scarce and domestic violence pervasive – so around the age of 10, Jacobus decided to rather live on the streets. Handouts dried up as he grew older and he started using drugs as an escape. A chance meeting with a good Samaritan led him to a shelter in Salt River.  He was able to go to school and sleep with a roof over his head for the first time in years.  At the shelter children are given the opportunity to be part of Zip Zap’s 2nd Chance programme, which helps vulnerable youngsters develop their talents. 

‘Trompie’ as he’s affectionately known, chose the circus and he’s never looked back. He matriculated in 2011 and after cycling through the programmes he became a full-time performer. 

He now uses his craft to share his story on stage.  

Trompie has flourished as a performer and excelled at circus disciplines. He’s performed around the world and was also the main character in a Canadian documentary ‘First Man’ for 5 months. He performs unicycle, juggling, hand-to hand, Cyr wheel, and is a talented acrobat. His sense of fun, comedy and his quirky character makes him an endearing audience favourite!

“You make your own choices in life. You can choose to stay on the streets forever or you can decide to step out of that life.”

– Trompie

Xolani is 24 years old and lives in Du Noon. In 2015 he saw a Zip Zap show in Khayelitsha and was so inspired that he signed up to join D2D. He recently graduated from the Dare2Dream programme and is now a Zip Zap instructor. He rises to the challenge, is responsible and well-respected. Xolani took ownership of the Beginners programme in 2019 when there was a shortage of staff and he excelled at assisting the rest of the team.
He created an amazing act on the scarf for his final year-end evaluation, enjoying much praise from the audience.

Xolani’s confidence has grown in leaps and bounds. He has taken the major step of finding his own accommodation and now manages his own home. He takes great pride in all he has achieved and seizes every opportunity presented.
He also successfully completed an Events Management course during 2019.

 “My dream is to look back and connect all the dots and have my own house, car and be self-sustainable.”
– Xolani

Masizakhe Kovi was introduced to circus arts when he encountered the Ibhongolwethu programme in Khayelitsha in 2015, and he’s been in love with circus ever since! If he had not joined Zip Zap, he would be pursuing further studies and a possible career as a chartered accountant. Masizakhe is a promising contortionist, who also loves doing handstands and acrobatics. His favourite memory is that of performing as part of the Zip Zap showcase at the Match in Africa 6, at Cape Town Stadium, at the invitation of the Roger Federer Foundation. He was lucky enough to share the “stage” with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Masizakhe dreams of being the best male contortionist that Zip Zap has ever had and to be a role model to the other kids.

“My dream is to perform around the world, to go on tours with Zip Zap, and keep on doing what I do best. I also want to be a role model to other kids. I want to inspire them just like I was inspired.”

– Masizakhe

In 2021, Masizakhe was invited to perform in Zip Zap’s production of Journey Returns, in collaboration with The Artscape Theatre and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.

Ikho Dyakala is a 19 year old learner  at Harry Gwala High School in Khayelitsha.
He joined the Isiseko programme at Zip Zap in 2024 and has made impressive progress. Though naturally shy, Ikho is highly motivated and hardworking.

In a short time, he has stepped out of his comfort zone, showing a strong willingness to learn. He brings his passion for dance and creative movement—nurtured through church performances—into his training, combining it with growing strength and flexibility.

His instructors are impressed by his determination, openness to new challenges, and steady growth in confidence. In November 2024, he performed in a 4-person adagio act at the Zip Zap Show & Tell event, delivering a solid and memorable performance.

Ikho is a true team player—supportive, kind, and always ready to help others. His positive attitude earned him the 2024 Alan & Tracy Winde Fellowship Award for embodying Zip Zap’s values.

He loves being part of Zip Zap, remains humble about his achievements, and looks forward to what lies ahead. In recognition of his efforts, he was invited to join the Zappers student troupe in 2025—a milestone he proudly accepted.

Liyema Sivundla is 15 years old and in Grade 9 at Iqhayiya High School in Khayelitsha.  He joined Zip Zap’s Beginners programme (now Isiseko) in 2020 after being introduced by his aunt.

Naturally outgoing, Liyema embraced the challenge of learning circus skills, supported by his peers and the guidance of dedicated instructors. He has shown strong progress and discovered a love for mini-trampolining, where he gets to flip and soar through the air.

He’s also pushed himself beyond his comfort zone—delivering a captivating duo aerial straps act at the Show & Tell event in November 2024.

Liyema dreams of travelling the world and performing with Zip Zap. His commitment and growth were recognised when he received the 2024 Shining Star Award in the Simunye programme for his outstanding technique and development.

In 2025, Liyema took an exciting step forward—joining Zappers, Zip Zap’s student performing troupe—bringing him closer to his goals through more intensive training and new performance opportunities.

It was love at first sight for Ayanda when he saw his first Zip Zap show at the Waterfront in 2009.
He enjoys everything they do at Zip Zap and discovered his passion for mini tramp and the unicycle. His favourite memory was learning to do a double front summersault on the mini trampoline, it was so exciting and felt amazing! The instructors are his role models as they are always helpful with new tricks and encourage him to do better. 
Ayanda also shared another of his talents with Zip Zap by doing all the beautiful illustrations in our children’s story book ‘I Can Fly’. All proceeds from our book benefit Zip Zap programmes. Ayanda is now 20 years old and enjoys sewing and fashion design, he has also recently progressed to the Dare2Dream programme.
“There are lots of problems in the world. I would change all the violence and hate to make the world a better place. My personal dream is to perfect the three-man unicycle act so that I can tour the world with my friends.”
– Ayanda

Abongile Siphesihle Madlingozi, known as Sihle, is 15 years old and a dedicated Zip Zap student.
She began her journey in the Isiseko programme (then Beginners) in 2017, progressed to Simunye in 2021, and was invited to join the Zappers student troupe in 2024.

Sihle has found her passion in trapeze, blending her skills with a flair for comedy that adds charm to her performances. Outgoing and enthusiastic, she embraces new challenges and is known for her discipline, drive, and commitment to excellence.

In 2024, her hard work was recognised with the Shining Star Award in the Zappers programme, celebrating her growth, technique, and overall development.

Sihle loves performing and is excited to keep growing through her circus training at Zip Zap.

Freda is 10 years old, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and now lives in Woodstock near the Zip Zap Academy.She attends Mountain Road Primary School and joined The Hood programme in 2023 with her two older sisters.

Though shy at first, Freda quickly connected with her peers and began to thrive. Agile and focused, she has taken a strong interest in aerial scarf, acrobatics, and creative movement. Her determination stands out—she pushes herself to meet every challenge.

In November 2024, she confidently performed a duo adagio act at the Show & Tell event, marking a big step in her development. Her steady progress earned her a place in the Ukwanda youth programme for 2025.

Freda’s commitment was recognised when she received the 2024 Shining Star Award for her outstanding performance in The Hood programme.