Interview: Henck Conrey, Shaping the Future of South African Television

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Henck Conrey is a name that resonates with many in the South African entertainment industry. A renowned actor, producer, director, creator, artist, and entrepreneur based in Pretoria, Henck was also nominated for a kykNET Silwerskermfees award for best presenter in a lifestyle program for ‘Vat Jou Goed en Trek’ on kykNET (channel 144).

Born and raised in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Henck matriculated at Highschool Framesby in 2005 and then attended Nelson Mandela University from 2006 to 2010. Although he had a passion for drama, he pursued a law degree due to his parents’ insistence on having a solid education and a respectable qualification. However, his journey took a different turn during his final year at university when he entered a competition to win a role in ‘Bay City’ and won. This victory led him to audition and sign with one of the top agents in South Africa, subsequently moving to Johannesburg, where he landed a role in the popular Afrikaans soap opera ‘7de Laan’.

Henck believes that his entry into the entertainment industry was a form of divine intervention and that the industry chooses you, not the other way around. Today, he has an impressive track record of successful projects. In October 2023, he is set to release Season 10 of kykNET’s ‘Vat Jou Goed en Trek’, a show he both produces and presents. Following that, in November 2023, Season 5 of VIA’s ‘Dr Nou’, another project he produces and presents, will be aired. He is also actively involved in directing and producing Season 9 of SABC 1’s ‘Reno Race’, and producing and participating in the inaugural season of the fitness show ‘Fiks of Niks’, scheduled to be featured on kykNET from October 2023. Additionally, he is a member of the Afrikaans pop group MAN.

Henck’s schedule for 2024 is equally busy, with new seasons of all his shows already lined up. He also plans to release a coffee table book to mark the 10-year anniversary of ‘Vat Jou Goed en Trek’. Besides his work in the entertainment industry, Henck is also a serious businessman and entrepreneur. He co-founded a production company called RichCON with business partner Richard Opperman. They also own several other businesses: an estate agency, REALty, and a construction firm, Warriors of Construction. Along with a third partner, Lizahn Bester, they run Redhead Productions, a theatre company that offers educational performances at schools across the country.

Henck finds it difficult to choose a favourite part of what he does, as he finds both being in front of the camera and working behind the scenes on various business aspects equally rewarding. He has an all-or-nothing approach and aspires to make the world a better and more beautiful place while living his dream. None of the programs he produces are based on sensationalism; instead, they aim to assist and uplift those around him, encouraging them to pursue their dreams. This philosophy, along with recognizing that nothing comes without effort and heeding the advice of Warren Buffet to always have multiple income streams, is key to his success.

Now that we have a glimpse into Henck’s journey and accomplishments, let’s get to know him better through an interview.

Henck, first things first, a massive congratulations on your kykNET Silwerskermfees nomination! Take us back to that moment – where were you, and what was your immediate reaction when you found out about the nomination?

“Hey, Shaun. Thank you for inviting me to chat with you on your incredible platform. It is such an honour. I was about to board a plane when I got the email saying I was nominated. It was extremely unexpected and absolutely humbling to be seen for the work that you put into your art for the better part of a decade.”

Vat Jou Goed en Trek” has been a sensation! Dive into some behind-the-scenes memories for us. Was there a particular moment during filming that had the entire crew in stitches?

“We are currently filming season 10 so there have been plenty of moments but the one that stands out was back in season 3. We were filming in Durban and were told we were going to go on a yacht to film. Everyone was excited – I even got a nautical outfit to complete the look. When we got there it was a small 4 man-steering boat, not even the entire crew could get on. We laugh about it till this day.”

If you were to encapsulate the heart and soul of “Vat Jou Goed en Trek” into just three words or phrases, which would you choose and why?

“Proudly South African. There are so many shows on TV about the property market and renovations but “Vat Jou Goed en Trek!” is the one show that focuses on the property market in SA with people from all over our beautiful country who need our help to get their properties show ready.”

You’re a man of many talents – from acting to producing and directing. Out of all these roles, which one truly gets your adrenaline pumping and makes you feel most alive?

“Every single one of them provides me with their own challenges and rewards. I love the business aspect of producing and seeing how everything comes together for the end product that goes out onto TV. On the other hand, I love directing as I get to steer my projects in the exact direction as I envisioned them during the conceptualisation phase. I’ve been acting and presenting for over a decade. Being in front of the camera is more than a blessing but rather a calling.”

Over a decade in the entertainment world is no small feat. How do you keep the spark and enthusiasm burning, especially when it comes to a long-standing show like “Vat Jou Goed en Trek”?

“I can not imagine doing anything else than what I get to do on a daily basis. Every day is different, every day presents its own challenges and rewards. I think the unexpected aspect of producing and directing keeps my work fresh and forces me to constantly think on my feet. With my shows, I keep an eye on comments from my viewers and try to incorporate what they are asking for on my shows. That way the shows are constantly evolving, growing and adapting to times and appetite.”

From your roots in the Eastern Cape to the spotlight in Pretoria, how much of that hometown charm and spirit do you infuse into your unique presenting style?

“Gqeberha is known as the “friendly city” and I always say that being friendly and kind cost nothing. I try to incorporate those traits in my presenting style. Life is too short to be pulled down by life and take that out on others.”

Every episode of “Vat Jou Goed en Trek” tells a story. Can you share one episode or guest appearance that left an indelible mark on you and made you reflect on your journey in the industry?

“I had the opportunity to share an episode of “Vat Jou Goed en Trek!” with Kurt Darren on season 7 of the show. We renovated a place in Langebaan together and had so much fun. The way he carries himself despite all the success and fame he has enjoyed is such an inspiration. I’m all for using your platform to benefit as many people as possible.”

The world of entertainment is always full of unexpected twists. Share with us a fun or unexpected challenge you faced while working on the show, and how you tackled it with your signature flair.

“It was during the second season of “Vat Jou Goed en Trek!” filming in South Coast. On the day that the furniture was scheduled to be delivered on reveal day the driver phoned and told me that the truck broke down just outside Johannesburg. There was no way they were going to make it on time for filming. I had estate agent Estelle Symcox on that episode with me, we had to find another furniture store in the South Coast, convince them to appear on the show as well as give us furniture for the episode that was scheduled to be filmed later that same day. I’m proud to say we stayed on schedule and had a beautiful reveal to show the family on that week’s episode.”

With the anticipation building for Season 10, can fans look forward to any exhilarating new segments or surprise elements in “Vat Jou Goed en Trek”?

“We are very excited that “Vat Jou Goed en Trek” will be collaborating with the glam guru Hannon himself on season 10. Not only will we be making homes beautiful but also make-over contestants for the big reveal. There will also be a lot more travelling to regions outside Gauteng.”

Your dynamic presence on screen is undeniable! Who or what has been a cornerstone inspiration in moulding and refining your presenting style over the years?

“Thank you for the compliment! There have been so many incredible presenters from South Africa that I grew up looking up to. People like the incredible Mark Pilgrim, are such a loss for our industry. Colin Moss, the incredible and always stylish Basetsana Kumalo. We have so much talent in our beautiful country.”

The kykNET Silwerskermfees awards are fast approaching. Paint us a picture of how you’re preparing for the big night – any rituals or traditions you follow?

“I brought a group of my best friends to Cape Town and booked us into a beautiful penthouse overlooking Sea Point. We made a road trip driving from interview to interview Friday and had the best time in between all my interviews. On the day of the event Saturday, we had a chilled breakfast at Jason’s bakery (my favourite breakfast spot in CPT) and started getting ready for the event at about 13:00. I love to always surround myself with people who I love and who brings out the best in me.”

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Henck for taking the time to share his journey and insights with us. It’s not every day that you get to have a conversation with someone who is not only incredibly talented but also down-to-earth and genuinely committed to making a positive impact in the world. Henck, your story is inspiring, and your approach to life and work is something we can all learn from. Thank you for being a shining light in the entertainment industry and for showing us that with hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude, anything is possible.