On Showmax’s The Mommy Club: Van die Hoofstad, Johandri Johnson gives the audience a glimpse into her life as a "stinking rich" businesswoman, wife and fitness guru who was second runner-up for Miss Universe Bikini.
But it’s her marriage that which has drawn comments from viewers as her co-stars questioned whether her husband Stiaan is a physically and emotionally present husband and father.
Johandri, who has a World Beauty Fitness and Fashion title under her belt, revealed their "whirlwind of romance" had been tested by life’s challenges.
These include Stiaan’s health issues after contracting Covid and her multiple miscarriages.
The third instalment of the Mommy Club franchise - which this week became the most-watched Afrikaans show on Showmax — is set in Jacaranda City. It follows the lives of Johnson and four other mothers — Ansu Viljoen, Crystal van der Burgh, Louise Volschenk and Tessa Tullues.
"We thought we’d get a divorce over the years but that’s like any other marriage. Nobody’s perfect. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew I wanted to tell my story and be vulnerable," Johandri told the Sunday Times.
"It was a rollercoaster of things in my life. My husband was actually very sick in January 2021, they even called me to come say my goodbyes. I think I had my own trauma with that. We had also had a miscarriage after that, and then in 2022."
She said that despite their differences, she is confident their love will stand the test of time.
"I knew he was the one because no matter what, he will always sort things out for me. And if he can’t fix it himself, he’ll make sure it gets handled. That kind of love and support from a husband means everything."
Johandri said that since a spate of comments were posted on social media about Stiaan, he had changed and was "more present" as a father to their son Cohan and as a husband.
That’s the man I fell in love with but it was a bit hard at the beginning of our relationship. He takes parenting more seriously now
"For so long I could never talk to him because he is such a joker. Everything for him was just funny, but that’s how he was when I first met him. That’s the man I fell in love with but it was a bit hard at the beginning of our relationship. He takes parenting more seriously now."
She said, however, she loved his humour and big heart.
"Now that Cohan is older, I see the effort he puts in to make sure Cohan gets the attention he needs."
Their love story began on Facebook when Stiaan sent her a direct message after seeing her in a video. Seven months later they met in person and she swears Stiaan knew she was the one.
"He said he prayed for me. Before I came into the picture, his mother said Stiaan had never brought any woman home, so when he told her about me she immediately knew I was the one he would marry."
For Johandri the show is more than just entertainment, it is about creating a sense of community and connection with other women who face similar challenges.
"I am really like this," she said. "I am like this and I’m not a victim. I’m not playing victim or anything and that’s what I want to get out there.
"I wanted to show being a mom is about being part of a community of women who understand the unique challenges we face. I wanted to be myself, to be vulnerable, and to inspire other moms."
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