South Africa is mourning the death of Cynthia Shange. Image: Gallo Images
(The Post News) – Tributes continue to pour in for Cynthia Shange, the veteran actress, model and beauty queen who helped redefine South African entertainment during apartheid.
The Lamontville-born star (76) died at a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal in the early hours of Monday morning. She is remembered for her resilience, grace and groundbreaking career spanning television, film and pageantry. Shange’s daughter, Nonhle Thema confirmed the news of her mother’s death on social media yesterday.
“With a heavy heart, I share the news of our dear mother. Please keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time,” she wrote. South African musician, Yvonne Chakachaka also paid tribute to Shange. “The most beautiful woman RIP sisi,” she wrote on social media.
Paying tribute, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie hailed Shange as a fearless pioneer who opened doors for black women in entertainment.
“Cynthia Shange was a barrier-breaker for black people and for women at a time when both were systematically excluded from global platforms. She stood where many were told they did not belong, and in doing so, redefined what was possible for generations to come. Her legacy is one of courage, dignity and unapologetic excellence,” said McKenzie.
Presiding Officers of Parliament, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, have also expressed their condolences to Shange’s family, friends, colleagues and the broader arts community following her death.
“Shange was more than an actress – she was a cultural pioneer, a trailblazer, and a powerful symbol of African excellence at a time when the dignity and humanity of Black South Africans were systematically denied under apartheid,” Parliament said.
Inside Cynthia Shange’s Entertainment Career
Cynthia Shange became a prominent actress during apartheid. Shange broke barriers in the early 1970s. She won Miss Natal in 1972. She was also crowned Miss Black South Africa in 1972. Shange became the first black woman to represent South Africa at Miss World.
At the height of apartheid, her presence on the global stage gave black South Africans and women in public life a new symbol of possibility. She starred in Udeliwe, Shaka Zulu and Muvhango over a distinguished acting career spanning decades.
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