I had a chance to get up-close and personal with Millicent Makhado and in talking with her it quickly became obvious that she exudes pearls of wisdom. From Madombidzha and Attridgeville, she says she always wanted to be an actress. She studied at the Market Theatre Laboratory in Johannesburg and started auditing for roles while she was still a student. While she has had many roles, she is renowned for her role in the popular SABC drama Muvhango and recently on e.tv Scandal.
Despite her popularity and success, Millicent remains humble and principled. She also speaks with great reference and emphasis to her Christian beliefs. “It is by God’s grace that I find myself acting for such big shows,” noting that doing what she loves satisfies her.
Millicent recently found new love, married and had her second child, “I am who I am because of the grace of God, and I feel blessed and happy.” She has gone through turbulent times which came to the public’s attention when she spoke about her divorce and the abuse she endured in her previous marriage. In talking with Millicent, I gleaned another piece of wisdom that we all need to be reminded of. When I asked her what important life lesson she’s learned during turbulent times, she notes that she is in a different and better space right now and most importantly, she says, “I have learned to forgive – I’m happy.”
Forgiveness is the key to peace of mind, good health, and happiness. It’s a hard thing to master but in the end, forgiveness is a gift we give to ourselves. However, she also notes and advice on the importance of introspection, “Love yourself first, and always listen to your inner voice.” Her spirituality takes her through different phases in life, “I have learned to let go and let God.” 
There’s more than meets the eye for Millicent, despite her work in the spotlight, she is also a motivational speaker and MC. Adding that she also does community work through her Non-Profit Organisation – Soulbent Project. “The idea of helping others plays a big role in my life, through the Soulbent Project, I teach primary and high schools performing arts.”
She also speaks fondly of her family. If not doing her television work, she is attending to her family’s needs, while her community work awaits her attention too – talk about living a purposeful life.
Millicent’s love for other people is admirable. She inspires us to step it up a notch and do more. Do more to make a difference. Do more of the things we are passionate about and do more to show others kindness and compassion. In ending our interview, I realise that Millicent is not just happy and blessed, she is surely wiser too.
