Cynthia Shange, who made history as the first Black woman to represent South Africa at the Miss World pageant in 1972, died on Monday, April 20, at the age of 76 after a short illness. Her daughter, Nonhle Thema, confirmed the death in an Instagram post, describing her mother as 'a graceful and compassionate soul whose presence brought warmth, dignity, and kindness to all those who knew her.'
During the apartheid era, Black women were barred from the official Miss South Africa competition. In response, Black South Africans organized their own pageant, Miss Africa South, which Shange won. She went on to place fifth in the Miss World competition. Pearl Gladys Jansen had competed in 1970 under the apartheid 'coloured' classification.
A graceful and compassionate soul whose presence brought warmth, dignity, and kindness to all those who knew her. We honour her journey, her strength, and the love she shared so generously.
Shange later established herself as a film and television actress, appearing in productions such as Udeliwe and Shaka Zulu. In 2024, she received the Lifetime Achiever award at the KZN Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards. The South African Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture issued a statement praising her as a 'veteran South African actress, model, and beauty queen whose legacy spans decades of contribution to the country’s arts, culture and global representation.' Actress Sindi Dlathu paid tribute on social media, saying, 'Grace, love and gentleness… this is how I will always remember you, Ma.'
Veteran South African actress, model, and beauty queen… whose legacy spans decades of contribution to the country’s arts, culture and global representation.
Grace, love and gentleness… this is how I will always remember you, Ma. You carried such depth and intelligence, sharp wit and a remarkable sense of humour. Our conversations flowed so effortlessly, each one meaningful and enriching. Those are moments I will forever cherish.