TV host and actress Nonhle Thema has thanked the public for their support following the announcement of her mother Cynthia Shange’s passing.
On Facebook, Thema wrote, “As a family, we are so Grateful for the outpouring of Love and Support for our Beautiful Mother 👸🏽♥️Cynthia Shange ✨Thank you ✨”
Tributes for the legendary actress, cultural pioneer, and trailblazer are pouring in from all parts of the country.
Parliament paid tribute to the multi-award-winning and internationally recognised thespian, recognising her as a powerful symbol of African excellence at a time when the dignity and humanity of Black South Africans were systematically denied under apartheid.
Born in Lamontville, Durban, Shange’s historic achievement as the first Black woman to win a Miss South Africa title in 1972 was not merely a moment of personal triumph but a moment in history.
“For Black women in particular, apartheid oppression was compounded by patriarchal structures and entrenched gender stereotypes. In this context, Shange’s rise was profoundly significant.
“She did not only embody beauty – she redefined it. She stood as a declaration that Black womanhood is powerful, dignified, and worthy of global recognition. Her success affirmed the importance of telling African stories, embracing African identity, and reclaiming narratives that had long been suppressed.”
A role model to many, especially young Black women in the arts, Shange’s life and career spanned generations.
She appeared in the 1975 films “u’Deliwe” and “Inkedama”. She portrayed Mkali in the 1986 “Shaka Zulu” series and Thandaza’s mother, MaNkosi, on “Muvhango”.
“Muvhango” creator Duma Ndlovu, speaking on SABC News, expressed that a giant tree had fallen.
“I know that we usually use that phrase loosely, but those of us who came of age in the 70s will understand exactly what we mean when we say a giant tree has fallen.”
He recalled how, when she joined “Muvhango” she brought the matriarch spirit with her.
“She didn’t bring Cynthia Shange, the global icon. She brought a matriarch. She nurtured the young people that we worked with, both female and male. She became truly a mother. She was playing Thandaza’s mother, and she became everybody’s mother. She was kind. She was concerned about everything.”
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