Phelelani Lord Of The Rings
Big Issue|Issue 258

Circus performer Phelelani Ndakroka has captured the hearts of audiences around the globe. The dynamic acrobat shares his inspiring journey.

Jaye-Dee Jansen
Phelelani Lord Of The Rings

Phelelani Ndakroka, a performer in the Zip Zap Circus, has mesmerised audiences around the world, leaving them in awe of his acrobatic skills and precision.

In April, he performed in Switzerland for Roger Federer and Andy Murray before going on to put on a show for the Afro-pop duo, Mafikizolo, in June.

The Zip Zap Circus holds a special place in Phelelani’s heart. It’s where he was taught that he, too, can dare to dream. The young performer was introduced to the circus in 2010 while living at a shelter in Salt River.

After being born to a single mother, he had spent many years living on the streets of Cape Town.

“I grew up with a life that no kid would want to live, it was difficult having to choose between right and wrong. People need to be really tough for that life because living on the street for 15 years is not easy. You need to be strong and patient. You have to figure out what you want and pray for it,” Phelelani told Cape Talk’s Pippa Hudson in a recent interview.

A FRESH START

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Issue 258-Ausgabe von Big Issue.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der Issue 258-Ausgabe von Big Issue.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS BIG ISSUEAlle anzeigen
Visit The ‘Seaside Circus'
Big Issue

Visit The ‘Seaside Circus'

There’s a new art activation on the prom …

time-read
1 min  |
Issue 300
SA's Food Capture?
Big Issue

SA's Food Capture?

While the debate rages on over glyphosate-based herbicides, farmers are spraying the chemical all over the world

time-read
5 Minuten  |
Issue 300
Design That Uplifts, Delight Intrigues
Big Issue

Design That Uplifts, Delight Intrigues

A collaboration with Southern Guild at the Silo District in Cape Town showcases designer Rich Mnisi’s first solo exhibition, titled Nyoka, on show from 2 October 2021 through to 4 February 2022. Designed to reach out and inspire.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
Issue 300
Why Kaaps Language Dictionary Matters!
Big Issue

Why Kaaps Language Dictionary Matters!

The first-ever dictionary of South Africa’s Kaaps language has launched. Why it matters …

time-read
5 Minuten  |
Issue 300
Hungry, And Tired
Big Issue

Hungry, And Tired

This charity has been feeding Cape Town’s hungry for more than 80 years. Never have so many people queued for food.

time-read
6 Minuten  |
Issue 300
Life's Ups And Downs
Big Issue

Life's Ups And Downs

Feeling burnt out? Clinical Psychologist and Business Director at The Human Edge, Helene Vermaak, gives some grounded self-care advice for anyone feeling overstressed or depleted.

time-read
4 Minuten  |
Issue 300
WHAT'S ON?
Big Issue

WHAT'S ON?

Get out and about under the spring sun, or enjoy entertainment online from the comfort of your couch …

time-read
2 Minuten  |
Issue 300
SPACE TO REFLECT
Big Issue

SPACE TO REFLECT

When former Big Issue editor, Alicia English, lost her husband to Covid-19 earlier this year, she and her son discovered a novel way to process overwhelming, difficult feelings.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
Issue 300
INSPIRATIONAL READING
Big Issue

INSPIRATIONAL READING

Whether you tap, turn pages or listen to audiobooks, an inspirational read can help you relax and see the world differently.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
Issue 300
Rough sleeping
Big Issue

Rough sleeping

“Winters are the worst nightmare for us,” says a homeless man in Springs. Temperatures dropped to minus 7º C recently.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
Issue 300