Nomvelo Makhanya, born on April 24, 1996, in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a talented South African actress, singer, and mental health advocate. She is renowned for her roles in popular television series such as Isibaya, Soul City, and Scandal!. Makhanya has also ventured into DJing and is recognized as a SAFTA Award-winning actress.
Profile Summary
Full Name | Nomvelo Makhanya |
---|---|
Date of Birth | April 24, 1996 |
Place of Birth | Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Partner | Not publicly disclosed |
Occupations | Actress, Singer, DJ, Mental Health Advocate |
Net Worth | $500,000 – $800,000 |

Early Life and Education
Nomvelo Makhanya was born in Nkandla but moved to Johannesburg with her family at a young age.
She attended the National School of Arts (NSA) in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, where she studied Dramatic Arts from 2010 to 2014. During her time at NSA, she performed in the musical ‘Sarafina’, which inspired her to pursue a career as a professional artist.
Career
Makhanya’s acting career began in October 2012 when she joined ETV. She has since appeared in several television productions, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Her breakthrough role came in 2016 when she started playing the character of Lindiwe Ngema in the popular e.tv drama series Scandal!, a role she continued until 2022.
In addition to her television work, Makhanya has also appeared in theater productions such as The Bald Prima Donna, African Reflections, and Maybe This Time. In 2018, she worked on the Netflix film “I Am All Girls.”
Recently, Makhanya has expanded her career into DJing and participated as a contestant in the second season of e.tv’s show The Perfect Picture, which aired in 2023.
Personal Life

Nomvelo Makhanya keeps her personal life relatively private. There is no public information available about her romantic relationships or children.
Makhanya has been open about her mental health journey, having been diagnosed with depression and anxiety in 2016. After seeking professional help, she overcame her challenges and has since become a mental health advocate.
She is the co-founder of Silent Crisis, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental health.
In January 2019, Makhanya was involved in a car accident when an alleged drunk driver crashed into her parked car. The following month, she shared on social media that she had been a victim of cyberbullying due to her appearance.
Nomvelo MakhanyaNet Worth
Nomvelo Makhanya successful acting career, singing, ventures into DJing, and work as a digital creator suggest that she has accumulated a substantial net worth of around $500,000 to $800,000.
Filmography
- Isibaya (TV Series)
- Soul City (TV Series)
- Scandal! (TV Series, 2016-2022) – Role: Lindiwe Ngema
- I Am All Girls (Netflix Film, 2018)
- Umlilo (TV Series, Season 2, 2015)
Nomvelo Makhanya continues to be a prominent figure in the South African entertainment industry, balancing her acting career with her passion for mental health advocacy and exploring new creative avenues.