by Jameelah Mullen
April 23, 2026
Shange competed within the Miss World pageant in 1972, taking dwelling the primary‑place title.
Cynthia Shange, the primary Black lady from South Africa to compete within the Miss World magnificence pageant, has died. She was 76.
The previous magnificence queen died April 20 in a hospital after an sickness, in response to stories. Her daughter, Nonhle Thema, introduced her mom’s dying on Instagram, sharing a photograph of Shange.
“A sleek and compassionate soul whose presence introduced heat, dignity, and kindness to all those that knew her,” it learn, including: “We honor her journey, her power, and the love she shared so generously,” Thema captioned the put up.
Born on July 27, 1949, Cynthia Philisiwe Shange rose to fame within the early Seventies, successful Miss Africa South. The pageant was created for Black ladies as a result of they have been banned from competing within the official Miss South Africa competitors because of the nation’s racist apartheid system.
She later competed at Miss World in London alongside the white Miss South Africa contestant and completed in fifth place.
After Miss World, Shange grew to become a preferred actress. She starred in Udeliwe, considered one in every of South Africa’s first Black characteristic movies. She additionally appeared within the award-winning mini-series Shaka Zulu as Mkabi KaSodubo. In 2024, the KZN Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards introduced her with the Lifetime Achiever Award.
Thamsanqa Ntuli, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, honored the late actress in a press release.
“Her legacy extends far past the stage and display screen. She performed an important function in advancing the humanities as a car for social reflection, therapeutic and nation-building in a democratic South Africa,” Ntuli wrote. “We have now misplaced not solely a cultural icon, however a brave lady who paved the way in which for a lot of. Might her soul relaxation in everlasting peace, and should her legacy proceed to encourage generations to return.”
Shange leaves behind 4 kids: Sihle, Nonhle, Ayanda, and Benele Thema. The household stated funeral preparations will likely be introduced within the coming days.
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