Strictly’s Johannes Radebe reveals his neighbours helped pay for childhood dance lessons

Johannes Radebe has revealed his hometown banded together to help pay for his dance lessons as a child when his family was struggling financially. 

The Strictly Come Dancing professional, 33, who is from Sasolburg, South Africa, told how his mother Jacobeth and dance coach asked locals to help pay for him to continue dancing. 

Johannes spoke to his fellow Strictly pro Janette Manrara on Morning Live, who said: ‘You and I have spoken loads about our families and how much we love them but your whole town came together for you to be able to pay for your dance lessons?’

Johannes replied: ‘I just remember my mother and my coach coming together and going out and asking people to put by for me to go and dance, it was the most incredible thing when I really saw the contribution. 

‘It meant to say people were involved and they card. That’s why I stayed dancing for this long, I didn’t want to disappoint anyone.’

Johannes also spoke about the support he received from his mother Jacobeth.

He said: ‘She is my biggest cheerleader in life. I miss her dearly because I haven’t seen her since I left South Africa. She’s the love of my life.’

Janette, 37, cut a stylish figure for her stint co-hosting the show as she donned a lime green dress with a strap detail.

The dancer added height to her frame with a pair of red heels while she wrapped up in a black coat as she departed the studio.

Letting her brunette locks fall loose down her shoulders, she completed her look with a black handbag. 

It comes after Johannas previously spoke about how his mother encouraged his ballroom dreams despite them struggling financially. 

He told Hello! magazine: ‘We struggled financially but whatever we lacked she made up for with love.’ 

‘I learned that as long as you have a hot meal, a bed and roof over your head, you should be grateful. 

‘Above all, mum taught me how to love and for the people around you to feel loved. 

‘I respect and applaud her. She has done a phenomenal job and she’s unique, my best friend.’

Johannes spent the first coronavirus lockdown in South Africa with his family.

He said: ‘This is where I began my journey. To have mum with me now is so special. It’s rare to find her dancing but I know she can move.

‘I’ve watched her when her favourite music is playing. She’s such an elegant woman so I think ballroom would be perfect for her.’

His mother told the magazine about the homophobic bullying her son, who is gay, experienced when he was growing up.

She said: ‘I couldn’t fight the world for my son but I made sure he was loved and that he treated everyone with respect and kindness.

‘Where are those bullies now who were mocking the very thing that launched him into his destiny?

‘I’m immensely proud and happy for him. When I watch him dance it feels surreal. What blows my mind is that it’s real and he’s my son.’