PICTURE: X/ CYNTHIA SHANGE
The entertainment industry has suffered a great loss as legendary actress and former beauty queen, Cynthia Philisiwe Shange, has passed away.
With a heavy heart, her daughter Nonhle Thema took to her Instagram page to share the news. “I share the news of our dear mother. Please keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time,” she penned.
Also see: Cynthia Shange’s Timeless Beauty Has South Africa in Awe
Entertainment commentator and podcaster Phil Mphela also took to his X (formerly Twitter) page to share the statement.
According to the statement, Cynthia passed away in the early hours of today at a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal after battling an illness.
“Shange was a trailblazer in the South African entertainment industry, rising to prominence in the 1970s when she was crowned Miss South Africa. Her achievement was historic, as she excelled during the era of segregated pageantry, and went on to represent South Africa at Miss World in 1972, in London,” read the statement.
STATEMENT: #RIPCynthiaShange pic.twitter.com/obI6tNgIyB
— Kgopolo (@PhilMphela) April 20, 2026
She was renowned for characters she played on Muvhango, Shaka Zulu, Inkedama and uDeliwe among others.
Also see: Cynthia Shange speaks up about her health scare
X (formerly Twitter) users weighed in:
Oh kufa 💔awunoni
May her soul rest in peace 🕊️💔😭
Condolences to her family and friends
#RIPCynthiaShange pic.twitter.com/UmJJSECsKS
— Blackbone🧡💙💚 (@EmmiieTLO) April 20, 2026
death has stolen our fellow veteran actress again #RIPCynthiaShange 🕊️🕊️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/15pctVYlf8
— #BreakAway King (@vigilanceblues) April 20, 2026
Our first Miss South Africa. #RIPCynthiaShange 🇿🇦🕊️ pic.twitter.com/813AVtEW5e
— Ndukenhle Z (@vho_mli) April 20, 2026
Also see: First black Miss SA Cynthia Shange honoured at KZN Film Awards
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