Cynthia Shange: Remembering South Africa's beauty icon
Actress and beauty queen Cynthia Shange leaves behind a legacy that will inspire millions of South African women for years to come.
Media personality Nonhle Thema and her siblings have vowed to continue Cynthia Shange's legacy.
The 'Nonhle Goes to Hollywood' star announced her mother's passing on Monday, April 21.
"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.
The 76-year-old's family says she "died in a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal after facing illness".
Tributes have been pouring in for the legendary actress, including from the South African government, which remembered Shange as a "beloved icon of film and television, whose legacy will live on for generations."
Beauty Icon
Shange, who was born in KZN's Lamontville township, made history in 1972 when she became the first black woman to represent South Africa at the 22nd Miss World pageant during apartheid.
The ceremony was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. Australia's Belinda Green won the pageant, but Shange left her mark on the world stage.
South Africa actually had two contestants in the pageant. Shange entered alongside Stephanie Elizabeth Reinecke.
Black women were not allowed to enter Miss South Africa at the time, but that did not stop Shange. She won Miss Africa South, a beauty competition for people of colour, which was her ticket to the world stage.
Only three South African women have won Miss World: Penelope Coelen (1958), Anneline Kriel (1974) and Rolene Strauss (2014).
Jacqui Mofokeng was the first back women to be crowned Miss South Africa in 1993.
Cynthia Shange began her modeling career in 1970. She's photographed here a year later as Miss Durban, 1971. A year after this, having claimed the Africa South crown, she competed at the Miss World pageant under the 'Africa South' banner.
— Zikhona Valela (@valavoosh) April 20, 2026
📸: Bailey's Archives. https://t.co/9SVtiLQ7Rb pic.twitter.com/829NFh4KXn
TV and film actress
After an impressive showing at Miss World, Shange ventured into acting.
Some of her TV and movie appearances include a lead role in SA's first black feature film, 'Udeliwe'.
She also appears in 'Muvhango', 'Shaka Zulu', 'Isivumelwano' and 'Inkedama'.
Rest in power to Cynthia Shange.
— BoityBell🔱✊ (@BoityBell) April 20, 2026
A pioneering force who made history in 1972 as one of the first Black women to represent South Africa on an international stage—standing tall with grace and courage in a time that demanded both.
She gifted audiences unforgettable performances in… pic.twitter.com/CiVsCmpPZs
Lifetime Achievement Award
Shange has received prestigious awards for her contributions to South Africa's entertainment industry, including the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs). The organisation paid tribute to the actress following news of her death.
SAFTAs officials say she will be remembered as a trailblazer in the arts sector.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the SAFTAs Lifetime Achiever and legendary actress, Cynthia Shange... She has worked with other giants in the industry, such as the late Joe Mafela and Ndaba 'Mshefana' Mhlongo."
She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 KZN Simon Mabhunu Sabelo Awards.
"Winning a Sabela Award is an honour that solidifies the impact of one's work," Shange said, per Actor Spaces.
"It's a testament to the resilience and artistry of KZN's creatives and champions of storytelling like Simon Mabhunu Sabela."
Cynthia Shange's legacy
Shange is survived by her four children, Nonhle, Sihle, Ayanda and Benele Thema.
Nonhle has also made a name for herself in the industry as a TV presenter, actress and reality star.
Shange's children have promised to continue to honour her legacy.
"Memorial and burial details will be communicated later, as family and friends prepare to celebrate the extraordinary life and achievements of Cynthia Shange," the family said in a statement.
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Image credit: Instagram/@nonhle_thema