Historic Miss World contestant Cynthia Shange has passed away at the age of 76. South African media reports that she died early on Monday morning in a hospital following an illness.

An official statement shared on Monday, April 20, by the South African Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, described Shange as a “veteran South African actress, model, and beauty queen … whose legacy spans decades of contribution to the country’s arts, culture and global representation.”

Born Cynthia Philisiwe Shange on July 27, 1949, she made the news in the 1970s when she represented South Africa at the Miss World pageant.

She was the first Black woman to represent South Africa at the prestigious event in 1972. Black women were, at the time, barred from competing in Miss South Africa amid apartheid, so they created their own beauty shows, including Miss Africa South. Shange won that competition and competed in Miss World in London, alongside the white Miss South Africa participant, according to the BBC. Shange came fifth.

“Her presence on the global stage during this period marked a defining moment for black South Africans and for women in public life,” said the government statement confirming her death.

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, also paid tribute to Shange.

“Cynthia Shange was a barrier-breaker for black people and for women at a time when both were systematically excluded from global platforms,” said Minister McKenzie. “She stood where many were told they did not belong, and in doing so, redefined what was possible for generations to come. Her legacy is one of courage, dignity and unapologetic excellence.”

After making history at Miss World, Shange went on to become a famous film and television actress.

She starred in Udeliwe, considered one of South Africa’s first black feature films, and the historical drama Shaka Zulu, BBC reported.

In 2024, the former beauty queen was awarded Life Time Achiever at the KZN Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards for her contribution to acting.

Shange’s daughter, Nonhle Thema, posted about her mother’s death on social media, remembering her as a “graceful and compassionate soul whose presence brought warmth, dignity, and kindness to all who knew her.”