The late beauty queen became the first Black woman to represent South Africa at the global pageant in 1972
Credit: ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
NEED TO KNOW
- Trailblazing beauty queen Cynthia Shange has died at age 76, as confirmed in an official statement shared by the South African Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture on April 20
- Shange made history when she became the first Black woman to represent South Africa at the Miss World 1972 pageant
- She went on to become a model and actress, starring in several of the country’s major feature films and earning accolades for her lifetime achievement in entertainment
Trailblazing Miss World contestant Cynthia Shange has died at age 76.
The South African Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed her death with an official statement shared on Monday, April 20. The announcement hailed Shange 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."
The late icon gained recognition when she competed at the Miss World 1972 pageant, as she was the first Black woman to represent South Africa at the prestigious event.
Credit: Cynthia Shange/Facebook
"Her presence on the global stage during this period marked a defining moment for black South Africans and for women in public life," read the government statement regarding her death.
The announcement also included quotes from Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, who remembered Shange for her pioneering actions and transformative impact on "the landscape of representation."
“Cynthia Shange was a barrier-breaker for black people and for women at a time when both were systematically excluded from global platforms," said Minister McKenzie. "She stood where many were told they did not belong, and in doing so, redefined what was possible for generations to come. Her legacy is one of courage, dignity and unapologetic excellence.”
As an actress, Shange starred in a number of South African movies, and in 2024, she received the KZN Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards' lifetime achievement accolade for her success in the entertainment space.
Shange's daughter, media personality and podcast host Nonhle Thema, posted about her mother's recent death on social media. Thema's Instagram statement celebrated Shange as a "graceful and compassionate soul whose presence brought warmth, dignity, and kindness to all who knew her."
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
"We honour her journey, her strength, and the love she shared so generously," the post continued.
"Please keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time," Thema wrote in her caption. In a second post about the tragic news, she added, "As a Family we are so Grateful for the outpouring of Love and Support for our Beautiful Mother."
Read the full article here
