It all began with a tiny radio in a quiet village where development was unhurried, and entertainment was scarce. For Amanda, that little radio was more than just a device—it was a gateway to the world beyond the rolling hills and distant mountains of her childhood home. She listened intently, imagining the places mentioned on the news and wondering whether they lay at the end of a nearby river or beyond the horizon where birds disappeared into the sky. This deep curiosity, coupled with an unquenchable thirst to explore, would eventually shape her extraordinary journey into the world of broadcasting and voice artistry.
Born in the Eastern Cape, Amanda spent the first decade of her life in Vaalbank, a village on the outskirts of Queenstown. Life was simple, and while indigenous games and storytelling enriched her childhood, nothing fascinated her more than the radio. It was a mystery to her—a small object that carried so many voices, jingles, music, and the latest news from around the world. She saved every cent she could to buy batteries, ensuring she never missed a single broadcast.
Amanda’s obsession with radio led to an unexpected discovery—her exceptional memory and speech skills. She began repeating the news verbatim for her great-grandparents, who marveled at her linguistic development. Her teachers, too, noticed her extraordinary reading abilities, but books were scarce in her village. This hunger for knowledge, however, was just the beginning of her incredible path.
A move to Daveyton, Gauteng, opened new doors. Her academic excellence shone through, and her teachers and family recognized her potential. They encouraged her to explore television and radio, where she could use her talent and passion for storytelling. In 2005, she began calling into uMhlobo Wenene FM’s children’s shows and actively participated in various SABC programs. The highlight of her early career came when she auditioned for Kids News—a moment that brought her closer to her dreams.
Amanda looked up to broadcasting legends like Noxolo Grootboom, Zodwa Nogilana, the late Pearl Shongwe, Gcina Mhlophe, and Siyavuya Sineke. Inspired by their commanding voices and storytelling prowess, she knew she wanted to follow in their footsteps. With determination, she pursued higher education at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) while simultaneously honing her craft in media. She joined OMG Academy, led by Yolanda Obakeng, and trained at Revolution Media House, obtaining qualifications in broadcasting, scriptwriting, TV, and film production.
While at UJ, Amanda didn’t just focus on her personal ambitions—she gave back to the community. She volunteered at Joyous Radio for three years, gaining invaluable experience. She also participated in UJ’s Community Engagement projects, tutoring literature and history in schools and working with orphanages and hospitals. She and her peers cultivated a culture of reading among young learners, reinforcing her belief in the power of storytelling and education.