From being introduced to the small screens as Lindiwe Ngema to morphing into a fully fledged creative right before our eyes, with DJ’ing now forming part of her ever-expanding creative repertoire, the award-winning Nomvelo Makhanya is ready to take on the world.
Her 10-year acting career has garnered her household name status, and with time, the star’s desire to explore all of her talents has led her behind the decks while also growing her influencer career, marking a significant new chapter to her journey.
But with this fame came a lot of public scrutiny that has rubbed the star the wrong way. With everything that has happened, from fighting depression, exiting Scandal, and hiding for ahwile to find healing, Nomvelo shares that she is in a great place because she remembered who she was.
“I know who I am and I understand the vision of what I am doing, so I am less worried about what people think or say. I am at a point in my life where I do not want to live in regret but live in the moment. Being present,” she shares.
The star’s colourful personality is also grounded in the simple things that life has to offer, and she shares with us her absolutely Favourite Things. Enjoy!
Family
Family was one of the few things that saved me when I was going through a lot. During that difficult time, it just felt like I didn’t have to say a lot, and they just knew how to be there for me. But it is not only during that time but most of my life. That picture is one of my mother’s side of the family; that is my pillar in everything. They are the best thing to ever happen to me because they just get it.
Nature
“What does my name mean?” LOL. Nature is something that I am just drawn to, and I think it is because of my name, which means Mother Nature. I also feel drawn to nature because of the serenity and solitude that you find in nature. It is the one place where I am able to be myself; go out there, journal, read a book and do whatever my soul desires. I just enjoy nature.
Traveling
Whenever I travel, I get to connect with people of different backgrounds, the ones that I love or even do the things that I like. Travel exposes you to experiences, whether it is flying in to Cape Town for lunch or experiencing touring a new city. The theme that has been consistent in the last year has been connecting, and so I prioritise things that make that a reality. Traveling is definitely a vehicle for connecting.
Food
Yho, yho, yho I love food and I count it as one of my love languages. I love experiencing different meals so much that I think food was suppose to be my second name.
My two ultimate favourite would be a nice creamy prawn pasta and then anything traditional like chicken feet, dumplings, chakalaka, and hardbody chicken. I love South African traditional dishes so much.
I am an amazing cook, so much so that even when we go on family vacations, I always volunteer to be the designated chef. I think I also take after my mother’s side of the family; they are amazing at it.
DJing
DJ’ing is a recent discovery of mine and I really didn’t think I’d be where I am now with it. But I am really enjoying it. DJ’ing has allowed me the freedom of time and I can never thank it enough. Through it, I have been able to be 100% myself; it has opened doors that I’d never imagined. It has basically allowed me to dream boldly.
Sneakers
Sneakers finish off the look, and it tells a lot about one’s personality. I don’t have a deep reason why, but I love a good shoe, and a good sneaker is just as amazing.
Friends
They are as equally important as my family. My group of friends just get it without having to say anything. Some of them are my childhood friends, and to see us grow and have either achieved or are well on our way of achieving the things we said we would is so inspiring. I love them to bits
Adventure and exploring the world
This part of my life allows me to get out of my comfort zone. In my life, I never thought I would ride a horse because why should I? LOL, but as soon as I started, I couldn’t get enough of it. It taps into my inner child, and that’s is what I enjoy. Keeping my inner child excited while creating memories.
My Award
That moment, that award, is just a reminder of who I am and of my talents. Also remembering that God will always come through in time, so ‘Be Stil’.
Reading books 
Because of the time that I now have, it has allowed me to do the many things that I’ve either been interested in or pick up new hobbies. Books have formed a big part of my healing. I read to heal, and because of the significant role that books have played, I respect the art of reading and love books so much.
Reading and ultimately being able to journal has allowed me to understand my emotions better.
