Legend Cynthia Shange Laid to Rest

South Africa’s legendary actress and trailblazing beauty queen Cynthia Philisiwe Shange was laid to rest on Sunday, 26 April 2026, in a private ceremony in Inanda, north of Durban, conducted according to Nazareth Baptist Church customs. She was 76.

Shange passed away in the early hours of 20 April in a KwaZulu-Natal hospital after a short period of illness. Her daughter, media personality Nonhle Thema, broke the news, writing: “With a heavy heart, I share the news of our Dear Mother. Please keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time.”

Born in Lamontville, Shange made history in 1972 as the first Black woman to represent South Africa at the Miss World pageant in London, competing as “Miss Africa South” due to apartheid restrictions, where she placed fifth. She later built a celebrated acting career, starring in Udeliwe, Shaka Zulu and Muvhango.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie described her as a “fearless pioneer” who reshaped representation in South Africa’s cultural landscape. Following the funeral, the family issued a statement expressing gratitude: “Your presence brought strength to us that God’s love is often shown through caring people like you.”

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