Thema’s Instagram publish additionally contained a celebration of life poster, with a brief tribute, accompanied by a smiling {photograph} of Shange.
“A graceful and compassionate soul whose presence brought warmth, dignity, and kindness to all those who knew her,” it learn, including: “We honour her journey, her strength, and the love she shared so generously.”
Details of her funeral are to comply with quickly, the publish mentioned.
Born Cynthia Philisiwe Shange on 27 July, 1949, she rose to prominence within the Seventies when she represented South Africa at the Miss World pageant.
At the time, black girls weren’t allowed to compete in Miss South Africa – as a result of racist system of apartheid – and as an alternative created their very own parallel competitions similar to Miss Africa South, which she received.
In 1972, Shange competed in Miss World in London, alongside the white Miss South Africa participant, coming fifth.
While she was the primary black lady to characterize South Africa at the beauty paegent, she was not the nation’s first non-white contestant.
Two years earlier, Pearl Gladys Jansen had additionally competed as Miss Africa South, sparking an enormous row at the competition, additionally held in London.
However, in keeping with the racial classifications used during apartheid South Africa, she was “coloured” – of blended racial origin. These racial classes are nonetheless utilized in South Africa right this moment.
After competing in Miss World, Shange went on to change into a well-known movie and tv actress.
Her notable works embody Udeliwe, considered one in every of South Africa’s first black characteristic movies, and the historic drama Shaka Zulu.
In 2024, she was awarded Life Time Achiever at the KZN Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards for her contribution to performing.
