We’re excited to launch 041Movers&Shakers, with well-known media figure DELON LE ROUX at the helm. He’ll be showcasing the influential figures of Nelson Mandela Bay, starting with the celebrated scriptwriter and storyliner Candice Johannes.
Candice Johannes (nee Prinsloo), the multi-award-winning scriptwriter and storyliner, has made a name for herself in the South African television and film industry with acclaimed projects like Draadloos, Saamstaan Again, and Suidooster. Her work on Suidooster earned her scriptwriting team a prestigious Golden Horn at the SAFTAs, recognizing their excellence on the DSTV Kyknet channel’s TV Soapie.
Despite her success, Johannes remains grounded in her family values and Friendly City roots. Unfazed by the glamour of Cape Town nightlife, she chooses instead to focus on her family, reading bedtime stories to her daughter, exploring character nuances, and indulging in British crime dramas—all in the name of research.
Humble Beginnings and Influences
Growing up in the Northern areas of Gqeberha, Johannes reminisces about a childhood where playing with neighbours was the norm. “It was great! My family has always been faithful church-goers, and I was raised with Christian beliefs. That secure, strong foundation influences the themes I use in my storytelling today,” she reflects.
Her mother, an English teacher, instilled a love for reading and storytelling. Johannes’ earliest memories are filled with stories shared during school holidays, a tradition that sparked her passion for storytelling. “There’s a strong culture of storytelling in my family, whether it’s jokes or life lessons. I definitely inherited the storytelling bug from them.”
From Music to Scriptwriting
Johannes’ initial love was music. “I was a band nerd throughout primary and high school where music became my second language.” Despite her parents’ initial reservations about her career choice, she remained determined. She enrolled at Alexander Road High School, taking Speech & Drama, and pursued Film and Television production at CityVarsity in Cape Town, majoring in production management.
Her early career began as a producer’s assistant. “My advice to anyone starting out is to humble yourself. If you want to be a writer, get a crewing job in any department. It may not be your first love, but it’s a foot in the door.”
Breakthroughs and Insights
Johannes credits a college lecturer for recommending her for an internship with a documentary film company. This opportunity was crucial in transitioning her theoretical knowledge into practical experience. Her production work led to writing episodes for the SABC drama series Montana, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Though she dislikes self-promotion, Johannes acknowledges its necessity in the competitive industry. “It took a lot of networking and ‘freebies’ to get into a writer’s room. The lessons learned were necessary.”
Her story ideas often stem from real-life events, focusing on authenticity and relatability. “I draw inspiration from everyday moments and ask, ‘What if?’ It’s crucial to create characters that resonate with audiences.”
Balancing Collaboration and Solitude
Johannes values both team spirit and solitary work. “I enjoy creating collaboratively but prefer writing in absolute silence. Good preparation is key, so I start with a thorough treatment before scripting.”
Managing multiple projects concurrently is a testament to her versatility. “One week, I balanced writing for Suidooster, working on a political PSA, and developing a preschool animation series.”
Passions and Future Endeavors
Her favourite creators include Amy Jephta, Roberta Durrant, and Idea Candy. Despite her busy schedule, Johannes finds time to watch British crime dramas like Midsomer Murders and Father Brown, appreciating their simplicity and strong acting.
Johannes’ work in family drama has had a positive impact on South African families. “I enjoy tackling themes like forgiveness, secrets, and relationships. It’s fulfilling to be part of such significant conversations.”
Looking ahead, Johannes aims to develop her own projects, including exploring crime drama and comedy. “I’d like to delve deeper into these genres and see where they take me.”
“Writing on a soapie is a collaborative effort and each member of the team brings their own unique experience to the table. If you see your own story on TV it’s because you’re not the only one going through that particular experience.”
Awards and Achievements
- 2005: Scriptwriting Award, CityVarsity (First Year)
- 2006: Student of the Year, CityVarsity (Second Year)
- 2011: Published in Truth from the Edge Poetry Anthology (English and Afrikaans)
- 2017: Short Stage Play, Reality Check, selected for SA Shorts Series
- 2018: SAFTA Award for Best Scriptwriting Team for Suidooster
- 2021: Royalty Soapie Award for Social Cohesion for Suidooster
- 2023: Silwerskerm for Best TV Moment for Suidooster
Delon le Roux is a project manager and freelance fashion writer. Formerly an editorial and runway model in Asia, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Media, Communications, and Culture from Nelson Mandela University, complemented by a recent master’s degree in Strategic Management and Business Law.
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