BESIDES the fact that the pioneer of beauty in this country, Cynthia Philisiwe Shange, left with a heavy heart because of the hard work of the actors, but she left a legacy that we will never forget in the role of beauty and acting.
Speaking at the memorial service for her colleague, Joe “Sdumo” Mafela at the Joburg Theatre, Johannesburg in March 2017, Cynthia was moved to tears. He said that even though he was 43 years old in acting, he was still struggling.
“It’s because we are not fully employed in the work we do. I know we make you happy but deep in our hearts as actors we are not happy. We are sad people. We can pretend to take pictures with you and sign autographs but the life of an actor is difficult.”
He said that even though he had been practicing for 18 years inIn the yard but he kept signing a new contract.
“I can’t borrow money because I’m not employed full-time. You can try to pay for medical aid, but if you lose your job, it ends. You can try to pay for funerals, but if your job ends, it ends. Please, if one of the actors dies without money, it doesn’t mean we can’t save money. We try to save. We chose this job, I’m not saying it’s bad, but we’re driven by the love of it.”
Cynthia (76) passed away in Durban hospital early on Monday, the problem she complained about in 2017 is still being complained about. However, that appeal will not change the fact that Cynthia is a pioneer who moved the stakes during the difficult times of apartheid and competed with the ladies of the country in Miss World in 1972.
What did those who knew him say?
The chief producer ofIn the yardDuma Ndlovu, said that if it were true in the world, Cynthia would have died before there was a doll named after her because of the history she recorded in 1972. She was talking about being the first black beauty from this country to compete in Miss World in London, UK on November 22, 1972 and she came in fifth place.
Duma said that this inspired black ladies because there was no black beauty who had ever reached that level in South Africa.
However, Cynthia left the world without ever being honored with a degree or one of the awards called the Order by the President of this country.
Who was Cynthia?
Cynthia was born in a township in Durban, Lamontville, on July 27, 1949. She started modeling in the early 1970s. She became famous all over the country after winning Miss Natal and Miss Africa South. After vying for the title of local champion, Cynthia was awarded thesuitcaseelectric stove, R200 cash and radio. During apartheid, beauty pageants were segregated by race as blacks competed against each other.
Having lost the title of Miss Africa South, Cynthia was then chosen to represent South Africa at Miss World. In that competition, he finished fifth in the international competition. Cynthia remembered that this competition gave her the opportunity to see the world and reveal the truth about the brutality of apartheid and racial discrimination in South Africa.
Cynthia’s entry into acting
After returning from abroad, Cynthia then entered the field of acting in films and television shows. In 1975, he starred in the first full-length all-black film Delewe. He left there and went to the yacht Agreement and evenNkedama in the same year.
He went on to a television show that featured scenes Shaka Zulu in 1986, playing the role of Mkabayi. In the 1990s he played the role of MaNkosi Buthelezi inIn the yardwho is the mother of Thandaza Buthelezi-Mukwevho (which is where Sindi Dlathu played).
Cynthia’s family
She married former football journalist, author and actor Derrick Thema. Cynthia’s husband passed away on December 31, 2021, at the age of 74. Cynthia and Derrick were blessed with four children, namely Banele, Sihle, Archie and Nonhle Thema, who is very famous for presenting television programs.
The disease he was carrying
Cynthia began to suffer from diabetes since 2018, so much so that she was hospitalized for three months and almost had her leg amputated, but eventually the toes were removed.
Awards won
In 2009 Cynthia was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas). He was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement award at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and TV Awards in 2024.
When will you be hidden?
The deceased will be buried on Sunday after the service which will be held at Nanda School, Shembe Memorial at 10 am.