by Thinus Ferreira
The legendary beauty queen and actress Cynthia Shange died on Monday morning. She was 76.
Cynthia Philisiwe Shange's cause of death is not known but she was hospitalised for an illness.
Born on 27 July 1949, Cynthia Shange is survived by her daughters Sihle and Nonhle and sons Ayanda and Benele Thema.
Cynthis Shange, the mother of personality Nonhle Thema, was the first black South African woman to represent the country at Miss World after she was crowned Miss Africa South.
Cynthia Shange also starred in South Africa's first black feature film, Udeliwe in 1975 with director Simon Sabela and starring the late Joe Mafela. Later roles include SABC2's Muvhango and the character of Mkabi in the mini-series Shaka Zulu.
"With profound sadness, the family of Cynthia Shange shares the news of her passing at the age of 76," her family said in a statement on Monday morning.
"Shange, a legendary figure in South African arts and culture, left an indelible mark as a beauty queen and a revered actress. She passed away in the early hours of today in a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal after facing illness."
"Shange was a trailblazer in the South African entertainment industry, rising to prominence in the 1970s when she was crowned Miss Africa South. Her achievement was historic, as she excelled during the era of segregated pageantry and went on to represent South Africa at Miss World in 1972 in London."
Cynthia Shange received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NFVF's National Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).
Nonhle Thema said about her mom "A graceful and compassionate soul whose presence brought warmth, dignity and kindness to all who knew her. We honour her journey, her strength and the love she shared so generously."
