Nkanyiso Makhanya: Uzalo role will show I'm not just a child star

Former Craz-e presenter Nkanyiso Makhanya is all grown up and ready to show Mzansi that he is way more than just a good-looking TV presenter.

Nkanyiso broke hearts across the country in September when he announced that he was leaving the kid's TV show to pursue other projects.

A little over a month later he returned to screens on the country's biggest soapie Uzalo.

"When I left Craz-e I knew about the Uzalo, but I couldn't say anything. People were so upset and thought that I would be lost forever, but it was all part of God's plan and I'm happy to be showing a different side of me," he told TshisaLIVE.

The star, who also featured on the Moja Love series Hope, said he saw this as his make or break moment in the industry.

"I think that this is the breaking point where people will start seeing me as an adult and not a child anymore. I have played roles that are younger than me and this one is closer to my age, but it gives me a chance to be taken seriously. I am grateful for my time on Craz-e but this will break that child star tag and show me as a solid actor."

Nkanyiso will play the role of a young adult that is imprisoned after trying to provide for and protect his family. He said he always wanted to play a deep character like the one he had been given.

"I have always wanted to play this character, someone that is deep and emotionally driven. It is a role that many people can relate to and his experiences are ones I have seen people in the township go through over the years. So you could say I have always been preparing for it. it is very emotional at times, but I love the challenges it brings."

He said the role taught him that there are always second chances in life.

"I think more than anything, I want to show people that they need to think about their decisions and realise that their life is in their hands. Just because you grew up in the township and were rough doesn't mean you can't turn it all around."