Media personality Nonhle Thema expressed that she is grateful for the support she recieved following the death of her mother, veteran actress and model Cynthia Shange.
NONHLE THEMA ‘GRATEFUL’ FOR SUPPORT FOLLOWING MOM’S DEATH
TV presenter Nonhle Thema expressed that she is grateful for the support following the death of her mom, Cynthia Shange. Cynthia was the first black woman to represent South Africa at Miss World in 1972. This was during the time of apartheid. She also played the role of Mkabi in Shaka Zulu as well as MaNkosi Buthelezi in Muvhango for over 20 years. The beauty queen left her mark in the South African film and TV industry. Read more on her career here.
Taking to Instagram, Nonhle shared a message that read:
“As a Family we are so Grateful for the outpouring of Love and Support for our Beautiful Mother 👸🏽♥️Cynthia Shange ✨Thank you ✨.”
Take a look…
CYNTHIA SHANGE PASSED AWAY IN HOSPITAL
Cynthia, who hailed from Lamontville in KwaZulu-Natal passed away in the early hours of the morning on 20 April. She passed away at a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, after facing an illness, according to a statement from her family.
“With profound sadness, the family of Cynthia Shange shares the news of her passing at the age of 76. Shange, a legendary figure in South African arts and culture, left an indelible mark as both a beauty queen and revered actress. She passed away in the early hours of today in a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal after facing illness,” read the statement.
“Shange was a trailblazer in the South African entertainment industry, rising to prominence in the 1970s when she was crowned Miss Africa South. Her achievement was historic, as she excelled during the era of segregated pageantry and went on to represent South Africa at Miss World 1972 in London,” the statement continued.
The veteran actress leaves behind daughters Sihle and Nonhle, sons Ayanda and Benele Thema. She also leaves behind grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorial and burrial details to be shared in due course.