Mama Cynthia continues to shine
Cynthia Shange is one of the first modelling black beauties in SA
Did you know that actress and model Cynthia Shange (72) holds two records in the South African entertainment industry?
Well, if you didn’t know, she was the first black woman to represent SA in the Miss World pageant in 1972 and made history by appearing in South Africa’s first-ever black feature film titled Udeliwe.
The actress, known for her recent role as Mama Buthelezi in the SABC 2 telenovela Muvhango, got into modelling in 1970 and was successful almost immediately.
The Durban-born performer started by winning the Miss Natal pageant which afforded her the opportunity to enter and win in the Miss South Africa competition, securing the title of Miss Black SA.
During her era, South Africa had separate black and white representatives before being expelled altogether from the Miss World competition in the year 1976.
Following her run in modelling and fame from being Miss SA, she transitioned into acting.
She is also a mother of four children, including media personality Nonhle Thema known for her popular show, Nonhle goes to Hollywood.
