Nomvelo Makhanya, 26, claimed to the Daily Sun that she left the television soap opera while she was still a young woman in search of better opportunities. The SAFTA winner who spent ten years portraying the beloved character Lindiwe Ngema bid the character farewell last Thursday.

“Surely people didn’t expect me to stay in one space for more than 10 years, did they? I’m still very young. There are a lot of places and things I want to explore. Nothing but greener pastures.” she told Daily Sun.

“The past 10 years for me have been amazing. Scandal! gave me a platform to showcase my talent and I’ll forever be grateful. I had so much fun, and I learned a lot and had so much fun. I got to work with legends. It’s been nothing but a privilege.”

When questioned about her post-Scandal plans. Simply said, “Just keep an eye on this space.”

The news that she was leaving the soap opera to concentrate on her relationship surfaced in October. She allegedly got engaged and her boyfriend paid for the lobola, but she denied this in an Instagram Live.