Gayton McKenzie extends condolences on passing of veteran actress Cynthia Shange

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has extended condolences on the passing of veteran actress Cynthia Shange.

South Africa is mourning the legendary actress and beauty queen, who passed away on Monday morning.

The 76-year-old died in a hospital in KwaZulu-Natal following a short illness.

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She was known for her roles in popular TV shows, including Deliwe and Shaka Zulu, among others.

Shange rose to prominence in the 70s when she was crowned Miss Africa South, becoming the first woman to represent South Africa at a Miss World pageant in London.

Sports, Arts and Culture Department spokesperson Stacey-Lee Khojane described her as a barrier breaker for black women and black people in general.

“Cynthia Shange carried the hopes of many and proved that talent, resilience, and identity cannot be suppressed. Her life’s work will continue to inspire young women and creatives to claim their space in the world. The minister and deputy minister extend their deepest condolences to the Shange family, colleagues, and the broader arts and culture community.”