‘Muvhango’ favourite Cynthia Shange dies at 76

Cynthia Shang

Durban – Acclaimed South African actress and former beauty queen Cynthia Shange has passed away at the age of 76.

Her family confirmed that she died in a KwaZulu-Natal hospital in the early hours of Monday morning.

“With a heavy heart, I share the news of our Dear Mother🙏🏽 please keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time🙏🏽,” the family said in an Instagram post. 

 

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A post shared by Nobuhle Precious Thema 👑🦋Goddess ♎️💫Favored by Jesus 🙏🏽10 🦄🧲🍀🦚🐞 (@nonhle_thema)

Shange rose to prominence in the 1970s after being crowned Miss Africa South, later representing the country at the Miss World pageant in London in 1972.

She went on to build a distinguished career in television, appearing in productions such as the isiZulu drama Udeliwe, the acclaimed mini-series Shaka Zulu where she played Mkabi, and later joining the cast of the SABC2 soap opera Muvhango.

Her contribution to the entertainment industry was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas), as well as an honour from the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards.

She is survived by her children — Sihle, Nonhle, Ayanda and Benele Thema — along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family said memorial and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

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