Cynthia Shange, first Black Miss South Africa, dies at 76

The Lamontville-born beauty queen and actress passed away in a KwaZulu-Natal hospital after prolonged illness.

Cynthia Shange, the first Black woman to win the Miss South Africa title, died in a KwaZulu-Natal hospital early Monday morning at the age of 76, her family announced¹². She had been suffering from illness¹.

Shange made history in 1972 when she became the first Black woman to compete for and win Miss South Africa during the apartheid era, when Black women competed separately before 1992¹. She went on to become the first Black South African woman to represent the country at Miss World¹.

Her daughter, television personality Nonhle Thema, announced the death on social media, saying: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother. We ask that you keep us as a family in your prayers during this difficult time"².

Shange's career extended beyond pageantry into film and television. She starred in the lead role of the first full-length feature film Deliwe, performing alongside Simon Mabhunu Sabela, Ndaba Mhlongo, Sydney Chama, Roland Mqwebu, Patience Africa, Maurel Msimang, June Buthelezi, and Joe Mafela¹. She later appeared in the film Isivumelwano and played the role of Mkabayi in the television drama Shaka Zulu¹. More recently, she acted in Duma Ndlovu's soap opera Muvhango¹.

For her contributions to acting, Shange received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Film and TV Awards (Saftas) and at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela TV and Film Awards¹.

Shange had previously spoken publicly about living with diabetes and undergoing amputation².

She is survived by her daughters Sihle and Nonhle Thema, sons Ayanda and Banele Thema, and grandchildren¹.

The Inkatha Freedom Party described Shange as a hero in the acting industry². Musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka called her "a beautiful woman"², while broadcaster Anele Mdoda said: "May God strengthen you and the whole family. She was a woman with great history that she showed us"².