The Presiding Officers of Parliament, Thoko Didiza and Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, have extended their deepest condolences following the passing of acclaimed actress and cultural icon Cynthia Shange.
In a statement released on Monday, Parliament described Shange as more than an actress, calling her “a cultural pioneer, a trailblazer, and a powerful symbol of African excellence” during one of South Africa’s most oppressive periods under Apartheid.
Born in Lamontville, Durban, Shange rose to prominence in the early 1970s. Her breakthrough came when she became the first Black woman to win the Miss South Africa 1972 title—an achievement Parliament described as both historic and deeply symbolic.
“At the height of apartheid, when Black people were excluded from mainstream recognition and representation, Shange’s presence on that stage asserted the beauty, worth, and humanity of Black women in a society that sought to erase them,” the statement read.
Parliament highlighted the significance of her achievement, particularly for Black women who faced compounded discrimination under both racial and patriarchal systems. Shange’s success, it said, helped redefine beauty standards and challenged long-standing stereotypes, while affirming the value of African identity and storytelling.
Beyond her early accolades, Shange built a career that spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on South Africa’s arts and cultural landscape. She became a role model to countless women, especially young Black women in the arts, showing that it is possible to rise above systemic barriers and shape one’s own narrative.
“As the nation mourns her passing, we also celebrate a life lived with purpose, courage, and grace,” Parliament said.
Condolences were extended to her children, including media personality Nonhle Thema, as well as her extended family, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched.
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