We often casually discuss the concept of life journeys, but for Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe, his journey has been truly extraordinary. Growing up as a gay child in a poverty-stricken South African township, Johannes had a passion for heels and feathers that set him apart from his peers. Despite the obstacles he faced, he began taking dance classes at the age of seven in a simple recreation center in the macho mining community where he was raised.
At the age of 14, Johannes tragically lost his father to tuberculosis. In the absence of a positive male role model, his grandmother, aunt, sister, and hardworking mother Jacobeth, who worked as a cleaner, became his pillars of support. Despite experiencing bullying at school for being seen as different, these loving women provided him with unwavering love and support.
Johannes’s path to Strictly Come Dancing was far from straightforward, but in 2018, he finally realized his dream and joined the show’s team of professional dancers.
As the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing is set to premiere, Johannes has recently released his memoir, “Jojo: Finally Home.” Within the pages of this book, Johannes reveals that he never officially came out as gay, not even to his beloved mother, until 2021 when he was partnered with Bake-Off winner John Whaite in the show’s first-ever male same-sex pairing.
Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable and served as a strong statement of their respective sexualities, prompting Johannes’s mother, Jacobeth, and the show’s millions of viewers to acknowledge and embrace their partnership.
Johannes reflects on that pivotal moment, saying, “I believe it was my opportunity to say, ‘I am tired of feeling ashamed. I want to eliminate the stigma.'” He recalls the conversation he had with his mother before the show, pretending not to know who his partner would be, even though he was fully aware of John’s identity.
He continues, sharing a beautiful turn of events that unfolded. Initially, Johannes had hesitations about participating in the show, and he even refused at first. It took some persuading, but his mother said something impactful, “Open heart. Open mind. I hope you give John the best experience.”
He shares, “That single moment of validation from the person who loved me unconditionally was all I needed.”
In the 2021 series, Johannes was paired with Bake-Off winner John Whaite, marking a historic moment as the show’s first male same-sex pairing.
Johannes lets out another giggle, showcasing his genuine and charming nature. His voice always carries a hint of laughter, never too far away.
Reflecting on the societal context in Africa, Johannes acknowledges the conservative nature of many African cultures. He notes that homosexuality is only legally recognized in 22 out of the 54 countries on the continent. He also mentions that South Africa itself did not legalize homosexuality until 1994.
Johannes speaks of his mother’s initial reaction to his sexuality, explaining that she didn’t want him to be gay, as she didn’t have a guidebook on how to raise a gay child. However, she never made him feel like something was wrong with him. All she ever wanted was for him to be happy, secure, and protected.
Johannes admits that he has never introduced his mother to a boyfriend. However, he has made a promise to himself that when the time comes, it will be a meaningful relationship and not just a casual fling. It will be someone special.
When asked if there is someone special in his life, Johannes responds with a laugh, saying that he is currently single but open to meeting someone. He acknowledges the beauty of being open to love at this moment in his life.
As we speak, Johannes sits comfortably in his publisher’s impressive London office, dressed stylishly in a black vest and tight jeans. The office offers breathtaking views of the Thames River through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
The journey Johannes has traveled from his modest two-bedroom home in Zamdela, which stood during the Apartheid era, is truly unimaginable. In that home, he shared a bedroom with his sister and grandmother as they navigated life together.
During his school years, Johannes was subjected to bullying due to his differences. He shares the harrowing experiences, stating, “They would chase me around with dead birds, and when they caught me, I would receive a smack across my face. I would cry, always in secret.”
Dance became a sanctuary for Johannes, providing both solace and refuge. He found himself in a safe space where even the heterosexual boys would embrace their own unique sense of style, sporting tight vests and black trousers.
The dance floor became a world that offered both competitiveness and inclusivity. The act of dancing brought Johannes closer to his community, fostering a sense of belonging.
While threats still loomed, Johannes found that the more he excelled in dance, the more recognition he received for his talent rather than being ridiculed for his mannerisms and speech.
Johannes experienced great success in his dance career, winning the Junior National Championships alongside his dance partner. At the age of 13, he moved to live with amateur dancer Patricia Paleman and her husband Elvis near Soweto, which opened up new opportunities for him.
However, the scenario of facing bullies repeated itself when Johannes started attending a new school. He endured physical violence, such as being kicked to the ground and having his head dunked in a dirty toilet bowl. There was even a boy named Malcolm who terrorized him, constantly threatening him with a baseball bat and using derogatory language like “moffie” (a slur targeting gay individuals). Malcolm made it known
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