In the fast-paced world of South African entertainment, where lights often shine brightest on those seeking attention, Candice Modiselle stands out for different reasons. Beyond her presence on screens and stages, what truly sets her apart is the quiet grace and sincerity she brings to her work, as well as her unwavering commitment to serving others.
Her radiant spirit and powerful voice resonated deeply during our conversation, which ended with an unexpected, beautiful moment—a heartfelt prayer. Candice, known for her soft-spoken nature, led the prayer, reminding me that her greatest contribution lies beyond fame. “My greatest contribution to society won’t be found on the red carpets or in the accolades. It’s in the way I serve others,” she said passionately.
For Candice, the realization of her greater purpose has deepened over the years. While she is grateful for her ten-year career in entertainment, she is now focused on the bigger responsibility that comes with her platform—to uplift and empower those around her. This sense of purpose has been a constant thread throughout her journey, one that began at the tender age of 7.
She fondly recalls performing for her family, reading out lottery tickets for fun, unaware that she was sparking her passion for entertainment. In a touching full-circle moment, Candice reflected on those early performances while standing in the very room where it all began. “As a child, I loved attention. Like most kids, I wanted to be seen, and performing was my way of getting that attention. But back then, I didn’t realize I was actually entertaining them. It was an exchange—I’d perform, and they would respond,” she said, laughing.
Raised primarily by her mother and surrounded by her sisters, Candice’s close-knit family played a pivotal role in nurturing her artistic talents. “We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders,” she shared, her voice filled with affection. The support she received from her family, especially her mother, laid the foundation for her love of performance. Naturally, school plays became the next step in pursuing her passion.
“I remember being part of my first school production at 10 years old. That’s when I realized this was what I wanted to do. You could say I’ve been at it for 20 years now!” she said with a smile. From an early age, Candice soaked up every artistic experience, preparing herself for the moment she would fully step into the entertainment world.
Although she initially dreamed of becoming a teacher, everything changed when she watched the late Mncedisi Shabangu perform in *Woza Albert*. Moved by his performance, Candice knew she wanted to evoke the same powerful emotions in others through her own work. “That performance made me want to make people feel the way it made me feel—moved, inspired, and connected,” she said.
Her mother’s unwavering support, raising three daughters on her own, instilled a deep sense of confidence in Candice. “My mother affirmed everything I did and gave me the belief that what I was pursuing was worth it. That kind of support propelled me into my destiny,” she said warmly.
As she reflects on a decade in the industry, Candice shares how her strong Christian faith has guided her through decision-making. Not every project is right for her, and she has been selective about choosing work that aligns with her values. “Of course, that sometimes means turning down jobs, but I’ve always been determined to accept only what speaks to me,” she explained.
Candice acknowledges that not all her decisions have been perfect, but she remains proud of the path she’s taken. Empowerment, upliftment, love, and championing Black culture are the principles that guide her choices. These values made her quick to say yes to her latest project, Battle of the Bridesmaids, a reality show close to her heart.
“Love is my favorite topic,” Candice shared, gushing. “Through the show, I hope we revive or amplify love. I hope it makes people laugh, fall in love, and just walk away with good vibes.” For Candice, creating joy and spreading love is another form of service—her way of making a real difference.
Her message to others is clear: success is not about fame or material things. “It’s so disheartening to see how society ties success to fame and money. I want to show young women that there’s no rush. The real sweetness is in the journey,” she said with conviction.
Candice believes the essence of who we are is found away from the spotlight. While she admires the incredible work produced by her industry peers, she remains firm in her belief that true impact comes from serving others. “If you do nothing else, serve. Just serve,” she urged.
