Branson in ganglands

"All I know is that he is a billionaire," said Lavender Hill High School softball player Shannon Jackson. "I was very nervous and shaking when he signed my ball."

The 14-year-old was referring to Sir Richard Branson, who stopped by in one of the most dangerous areas on the Cape Flats yesterday to inspect a gym installed at the school by his Virgin Active.

Branson endorsed the Future Crew project, a collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, to uplift and inspire the youth through exercise.

He told pupils he was never good at school and had dropped out at the age of 15. He sold records and handed out pamphlets; now he owns an airline and, next year, a "spaceship company".

"I think my point is that anything is possible," he said.