How does a farm girl with a chronic illness become one of SA’s leading ladies? Model and actress Amanda du-Pont says she fought her challenges head on – by stepping into the boxing ring.
"Make me look strong!” is the roar that emanates from Amanda du-Pont as our photographer aims his camera for the first shot for this issue’s cover. It’s an unusual request from a cover star (“make me look thin”, “make me look tall”... We’ve heard them all), but then the 28-year-old actress and model isn’t your typical celeb. There’s a reason that Amanda feels she’s earned bragging rights for her sculpted, toned – and, yes, very strong – body. Best known for her role as Lelo on SABC1 soapie Skeem Saam, Amanda’s physical strength was hard earned after a battle with her health that almost ended her career before it started.
STEPPING INTO THE LIMELIGHT
Born in Swaziland, Amanda’s family moved to White River when she was a tween to enroll Amanda and her two sisters into Uplands College in Nelspruit. Sport and outdoor activities are high on the agenda. “They offer all kinds of activities and it’s at Uplands that I fell in love with living an adventurous life,” she says.
But the thriving theatre culture at the school had a stronger pull on the teenager than she realised. “The school was very competitive in sport, so if you weren’t in a team it was a case of ‘Oh shem, sorry for you!’ There, you were either sporty or an arty nerd and I had to fight to do both, because I loved both of them.”
While she had participated in acting productions from the age of five, Amanda says it took a comment from a teacher for her to realise that the stage was where she was meant to spend her life. “I had been struggling to decide what to do and where to study, when one of my matric teachers commented on an exam paper ‘never give up on your acting’. I was like, that’s it!”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Irreconcilable Differences?
You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.
Hot And Bothered
Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.
Self-esteem under the microscope
The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.
the reset
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER
Mind Over Muscle
Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.
How To Be Decisive
You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.
Build A Strong Base
You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.