\Scandal’s Nomvelo Makhanya, as Lindiwe to her legion of devoted admirers, has been a fixture on our screens for a long time. She’s played the character of Lindiwe Ngema on and off since she was a child, allowing South Africa to see her grow up right before their eyes. She matured much throughout that time.

Mzansi was surprised, however, to learn that Nomvelo is actually quite young for someone who has accomplished so much in her short life, including buying her own car and amassing a net worth of almost one million rand.

Only 25 years old, Nomvelo is still a youthful man. On April 24th, 1996, she entered this world. She will turn 26 the year after that. Additional examples of her photography are included in the gallery.