Holistic development pathway The Sanlam Foundation partners with Zip Zap Circus due to the powerful role movement, creativity and physical expression play in how young people learn, connect and build confidence. For many vulnerable youth, traditional classroom environments alone do not meet their full range of developmental needs. Physical, hands‑on activities, such as those offered through circus arts, help strengthen concentration, discipline, co-ordination and resilience. These are the same skills that improve engagement in formal schooling and open pathways to personal growth. Zip Zap creates a safe, joyful space where young people learn through their bodies as much as through their minds. By blending circus arts with life‑skills training, the programme becomes a catalyst for deeper learning, supporting improved school participation and helping learners discover new possibilities for their futures. For some, this becomes a bridge back into formal education; for others, it offers an alternative pathway to a sustainable career within the creative and performing arts sector. At its core, Zip Zap nurtures confidence, belonging and aspiration, showing young people that their potential is far greater than their circumstances, and empowering them to dream, achieve and live with confidence. Beneficiaries’ stories For Satara Samsodien, new skills in tumbling and flipping have brought a real boost. “Now I am more confident - there is no hesitation,” she says. Being part of Zappers has also provided opportunities for new friendships: “…lots of them, like the exchange students and others – genuine people, not like forced conversations and stuff like that.” Her proudest moment came when she mastered the cube: “When I did my cube, I was the first one to learn it, and I did my research on it.” She also reflected on what the programme has taught her about patience and growth. “Now I know nothing is forced, you have to ease yourself into it, take your time, because now I know everything takes time.” “Zip Zap helps me to feel more confident and happier,” she adds. Bulumko Nkomombini has been learning new circus skills at Zip Zap, including rope. For Bulumko, new friends have provided guidance. “They help me understand things,” he says More guidance has also boosted his confidence in performing and sharing his own skills with others. “I get excited because I know what I am doing,” he adds, with Bulumko leaving each class feeling positive: “I feel happy and strong.” For Bulumko, the instructors are a highlight. He also notes that the skills and support he’s gained have helped him outside the circus. “I have joined Zappers for two years now, and I have learned straps, which gives me a chance to be able to control my body,” says beneficiary Elijah Gallant. “Most of the people I have known since they were beginners, and we have become good friends. These friendships made me better because we come from different backgrounds, and that gives us a chance to learn more about each other and understand.” Elijah has also felt more confident: “When we started the year with the evaluation and I performed straps, that was amazing. When I won the fellowship award last year, that made me proud.” “I have built relationships now, and that was a struggle for me as I am very reserved, but now I go to my teachers. I was always a busy person, not a talkative one, but now it’s easy for me to open up about things.” The programme’s impact extends beyond providing technical circus skills, as one parent’s feedback demonstrates: “I just want to thank you and the trainers for yesterday. My daughter is having a rough time at school with bullying and yesterday was a very sad day. But she came to Zappers training and within ten minutes she was smiling again. The Zip Zap family is amazing. She was having fun, laughing, learning and being encouraged from when she arrived. I heard so many of your troupe praising each other, clapping, and being kind. Thank you for everything and for my daughter’s circus family. It was the best part of our day”. Socio-economic development continued Education continued Sanlam Foundation Annual Report 2025 14 About this report Sanlam Foundation social impact 2025 Message from the Group Executive: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Message from the Head of the Sanlam Foundation Strategic aspirations Our theory of change Programmatic performance Monitoring and evaluation Income and expense report Group-wide social impact intent Our partners
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