“I believe that my work should affect change. I recognize that we have a very divided society, and capoeira is a powerful tool for development, says Versfeld who is also reading for a masters degree in anthropology at the University of Cape Town. Capoeira is regarded as a tool that teaches positive communication, respect for self and others, self regulation and discipline, say Versfeld and Lopes.

“Here is the option of being a gangster or a capoeirista. Which one would they choose? They would rather choose to be a capoeirista,” says Versfeld of the children in her class.