The South African entertainment industry is known for its vibrant energy, but behind the glitz and glamour, a darker side often lurks. This week, former e.TV Scandal! actress Nomvelo Makhanya, beloved by fans as Lindiwe, shed light on a disturbing experience that highlights the power imbalances and potential for abuse within the industry.
In a candid interview with the Access Genie podcast, Makhanya revealed a shocking truth: she was written off the popular soap opera after reporting her director and floor manager for being drunk on set.
"I was written off a week and a half after I had reported them and I got called into the office. The news was delivered to me, and it was made to seem like I was the one with the problem. Like I was the one with the issues. But I took it like a champ and held my head high," she shared with a stoic composure that belied the emotional turmoil she endured.
Makhanya's decision to speak out comes after a period of silence, a period she describes as one of immense struggle. "My last months with the production were extremely tough," she revealed. "I stopped vlogging for my YouTube channel because I would be told that I am wasting production's time. [And they claimed] that they constantly had to wait for me, which was untrue. They found little things just to make it seem like it was a problem."
The actress recounted how her efforts to promote the show on social media were met with disapproval. "Even with live videos on my Instagram promoting the show, I stopped doing that. I stopped because it was like I was wasting their time and that was new."
The situation escalated further when the individuals she had reported began spreading rumours about her departure. "A lot of the time, people in power always want to show you that they hold the trump cards," she said, her voice laced with a quiet anger. "And when you start speaking up against their bullsh*t, they want to make sure that you struggle. I was redlisted, for a while. That basically means you do not work. The minute you show up, they already know who you are because they have been told. They wanted to prove that they are bigger than me and they made me, it is a power thing."
Makhanya's experience, unfortunately, is not an isolated incident. Many within the entertainment industry have faced similar challenges, often choosing to remain silent due to fear of retaliation or losing their livelihoods. However, Makhanya's bravery in speaking out serves as a powerful reminder that silence is not always the answer.
The impact of this ordeal on Makhanya was profound. Though she was fortunate to have financial security thanks to her savings, the emotional toll was immense. "I was very suicidal just after I lost my job," she confessed, her voice trembling slightly. "I have got extreme anxiety. So I heard voices in my head that would constantly tell me that I deserved it. I spent so much of my time, and I gave so much of myself to that show for 10 years."
Despite the pain, Makhanya has emerged stronger, finding solace in her own talents and pursuing other avenues for success. "But what is strange is that I make a lot of money outside of acting now," she shared, a hint of pride in her voice.
Over the past 18 months, Makhanya has dedicated herself to healing and therapy, emerging from the darkness with a renewed sense of self-worth. Her story serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and healing are possible.
While Makhanya has moved on, her story raises important questions about accountability and the need for a safer working environment within the entertainment industry. It is a stark reminder that power imbalances can be exploited, and those who speak out against misconduct deserve support and protection.
