Amanda Manku Opens Up About the Heartbreaking Loss of Her Mum and Gogo

Hey there, friends! Today, I want to talk about something that’s been weighing heavily on my heart—Amanda Manku’s recent interview where she bravely shared her journey of grief following the tragic loss of her mum and gogo (grandmother). If you’re a fan of SABC1’s Skeem Saam, you probably know Amanda as the vibrant Lizzy. But behind that on-screen persona lies a deeply personal story that many of us can relate to, especially when it comes to loss and healing.

In 2021, Amanda faced an unimaginable tragedy when her mum, Gladys Manku, and her gogo, Letty Maphothoma, were shot dead while fetching water. It’s a heartbreaking scenario that no one should ever have to endure. To add to the complexity, Amanda’s dad was arrested earlier this year in connection with their murders and has been in custody since. Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions!

In a candid conversation with fellow actress Pasi Koetle on Mommy Diaries, Amanda opened up about how her mum’s death has affected her life. She described feeling like she’s been on “auto pilot” since that fateful day, but she’s slowly starting to come back to reality. “2024 has been that year for me,” she said, reflecting on the long road of healing ahead.

What really struck me was Amanda’s raw honesty when she expressed, “Something inside me also died on the day they both died.” Losing a parent is a pain that’s hard to put into words, and Amanda doesn’t shy away from that truth. Her mum was not just a parent; she was a friend, and her gogo was like a second mother. The bond they shared was beautiful, and losing both of them in such a violent way understandably left her feeling angry and confused.

“I was angry with God,” Amanda admitted. “I was angry that He took the two women I knew, who were God-fearing and prayerful.” Can you imagine grappling with such profound grief while also questioning your faith? It’s a struggle that many people face, and Amanda’s honesty about her feelings is a reminder that it’s okay to feel lost and upset in the wake of tragedy.

As she navigated her grief, Amanda recalled how she initially thought she was handling things well. But deep down, she felt as if her loved ones were still visiting her in spirit. “Losing your mum is something else,” she said, emphasizing the unique heartbreak that comes with such a loss. She even mentioned how she distanced herself from gospel music during that time because it just didn’t resonate with her pain.

What really hit home for me was Amanda’s reflection on her dad. “My dad was my best friend. He was my pillar of strength, and this is the man arrested for the murder of my mums.” Imagine the conflict of emotions she must be feeling—grief for her mum and gogo, love for her dad, and the confusion of the situation. It’s a lot for anyone to bear.

Despite everything, Amanda has found strength in her faith. “Being weak wasn’t an option. I’m the first born of five kids. I had to be strong for my siblings,” she said. It’s incredible how she’s channeling her pain into being a pillar of support for her family, proving that even in the darkest times, there’s a flicker of hope.

“It’s like I’ve lost my dad even though he’s still alive,” she shared, highlighting the complexity of her emotions. It’s a reminder that grief isn’t just about losing someone to death; sometimes, it’s about losing the person you thought you knew.

Amanda’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, love, and the ongoing journey of healing. It’s a reminder that while life can throw unimaginable challenges our way, finding strength in ourselves and our faith can help us navigate through the storm. Let’s continue to support Amanda and anyone else who’s dealing with loss, because we all need a little love and understanding in our lives.