Meet Amanda Kobus (42), a mom of three and a passionate advocate for holistic wellness. A Private Nurse Practitioner with specialities in midwifery and psychiatric nursing, she has evolved into a Holistic Health, Wellness, and Longevity Coach. Inspired by her children – Charlton, a 21-year-old music talent, soulful 12-year-old Luthando, and spirited 11-year-old Lusanda. Amanda empowers others to live balanced, healthy lives.
Share a bit about how your life path has unfolded
I left home at age 17 to join the military, with my eyes set on a nursing degree through the SANDF. Soon after, I found myself deployed with the South African Military Health Services at a Military hospital in Pretoria and finally on peacekeeping missions under the UN, rising to the rank of Captain. Life shifted, so I transitioned into civilian nursing as an Emergency Room Professional Nurse and then into the pharmaceutical industry. I thrived, working across major portfolios like diabetes, pain, organ transplant, oncology, and women’s health.
I felt a deeper calling to help people directly. That’s when I combined my nursing roots with personal training, nutrition, and life coaching, developing my framework for holistic health and longevity. Somewhere along the way, I discovered I loved lifting heavy things, so I became a bodybuilder and now a powerlifter, earning KZN Provincial and National colours. I’m now prepping for the Africa Games in Tunisia and the World Champs in Cape Town while I keep my fingers crossed for the national team at the Commonwealth Games for Classic Powerlifting for 2026.
What was the transition like from military life to motherhood to building yourpersonal brand?Â
I come from a complicated upbringing; my mom worked all the time (she was also a nurse) to support our family and keep us safe, and I had a difficult relationship with my father, so becoming a mom at age 21 while still climbing my own mountains was incredibly tough. But I trusted God’s timing, leaned into all the change, and embraced every challenge one at a time. I also had great support from two close friends whom I still treasure dearly.
Building my personal brand has been a journey of staying authentic, even when that meant being the bold, assertive woman in rooms that weren’t quite ready for me. I’ve learned that I was born to lead, and with Jesus at the centre of my life, I’m fearless in my purpose and pursuit.Â
At the end of the day, my mission is to be the light in my home, in my work, and in every space I enter. And I owe a huge part of that light to my kids.
How has Christ influenced your approach to life, fitness, and motherhood?
Before I truly knew Christ, I lived with a lot of fear of the future, and anxiety over the unknown. But once I began to walk closely with God, I realised those feelings were never meant to define me; they were obstacles keeping me from my purpose, my children and family, and from my true relationship with God. Through prayer and deepening faith, I began to root myself in my identity as His child, which changed everything. Now I understand that God desires peace, love, and joy for us, even as we live with a holy reverence for Him.Â
Don’t let fear keep you from what you’re called to do. Your life is worth the effort.
How do you stay motivated?
Movement is my medicine, and it brings me back to myself. It’s not just about aesthetics or performance; it’s about emotional balance and spiritual alignment. If I don’t wake up and speak to God or spend time just being still and listening to Christ, I feel very off-centre. My kids look to me for guidance and I want to show up for them from an honest, grounded place.So, I’ve learned to create an environment for myself that reflects everything I believe in: faith, discipline, balance, and joy. Motivation isn’t about always feeling like doing it; it’s about knowing why you must.
What would you say to women who are struggling to make time for themselves?
We all get 24 hours and how we choose to use that time is up to us. If you’re doom-scrolling on social media, that could be your prayer time, your walk outside, your food prep, or your workout. That could be the moment you read a label in the shopping aisle and make a nourishing choice, or just sit in silence and breathe. Information is literally at your fingertips. Don’t sit on it. Wake up one hour earlier if that’s what it takes.Also, I’ll say this with love – your happiness and healing is on the other side of fear. If you’re passionate about something, trust God, take the leap and let God lead the way. Your life is worth the effort.
As a writer, how do you use words to connect with others?
I write poetry and prayers. Those are the languages of my soul. It started with my personal stories of mental, emotional and spiritual struggles, then into some romance novels. I ghostwrite and quite enjoy telling stories through someone else who wants to and can publish. I do have two unpublished romance novels, a self-help book, and a prayer book waiting patiently for God’s nudge to be released into the world. It’s not about fear; it is about divine timing. Writing is ministry.I’m in communion with the word of God and with words themselves, whether it’s to uplift someone, guide them or simply hold a mirror to their own strength. That’s the space I write from.
Motivation isn’t about always feeling like doing it; it’s about knowing why you must.
If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Never ever doubt yourself or your instincts. And above all, listen for the voice of God. When you’re in tune with those two things, you won’t be led astray. Life becomes more peaceful when you know whom to trust and when you finally realise that your path has always been divinely designed. Be kind to yourself and enjoy your life!
