Cape Town – Acclaimed South African actress Sindi Dlathu has paid a deeply moving tribute to veteran performer Cynthia Shange, who passed away on 20 April, leaving behind a legacy that touched both audiences and colleagues.
Dlathu shared her tribute on Instagram, reflecting not only admiration but a profound personal connection to the late star. Known for her powerful on-screen presence, she adopted a softer, more intimate tone in remembering Shange, offering words that read like a quiet, heartfelt conversation.
“Grace, love and gentleness… this is how I will always remember you Ma,” she wrote. “You carried such depth and intelligence, sharp wit and a remarkable sense of humour. Our conversations flowed so effortlessly, each one meaningful and enriching. Those are moments I will forever cherish.”
Both women have long been celebrated figures in South African television, with careers that helped shape the local entertainment industry. While they may not have frequently shared the screen, they moved within the same creative circles, earning respect for their craft and their ability to bring authenticity to every role.
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Known for her roles in productions such as Muvhango and The River, Dlathu has consistently been praised for her emotional depth — a quality she also recognised in Shange, whose career spanned decades and left a lasting mark on the industry.
Continuing her tribute, Dlathu reflected on the warmth that defined Shange’s presence: “You were always warm and always brought light into every space you entered. Your presence was both grounding and uplifting.”
She concluded with words that captured both reverence and affection: “I could write a book about you, but I will leave it here. You wore your crown with grace, Ndlovukazi, in every sense of the word.”
As tributes continue to pour in, it is clear that Shange’s legacy lives on not only through her work, but through the lives she touched and the memories she leaves behind.
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Picture: Instagram/ Sindi Dlathu
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
