Sindi Dlathu Pays Touching Tribute to Her Onscreen Mother Cynthia Shange
Sindi Dlathu Pays Touching Tribute to Her Onscreen Mother Cynthia Shange. It has been a couple of days now since the passing away of Cynthia Shange. The former Miss South Africa and award winning actress passed away on the 20th of April 2026.
Tributes have been pouring in for the legendary personality. Among the tributes that touched many is that of Sindi Dlathu, who starred alongside Mam Cynthia in Muvhango. The two played mother and daughter, with Sindi being cast as Thandaza Mukwevho.
On Thursday, the multi-award winning Sindi took to Instagram with a heartfelt tribute to Mam’ Cynthia. She highlighted some of her outstanding qualities such as grace, love and gentleness. Sindi also remembers their conversations, which she benefited a great deal from. She will forever cherish all the moments she has shared with Mam’ Shange.
“Grace, love and gentleness…this is how I will always remember you Ma.
You carried such depth and intelligence, sharp wit and a remarkable sense of humour. Our conversations flowed so effortlessly, each one meaningful and enriching. Those are moments I will forever cherish.
You were always warm and always brought light into every space you entered. Your presence was both grounding and uplifting.
I could write a book about you, but I will leave it here.
You wore your crown with grace Ndlovukazi, in every sense of the word.
Lala kahle Ma,” Sindi said.
The passing of Mama Cynthia is not only a loss for her family and loved ones only, it is also for the rest of the nation. She was a beauty queen who won the beauty pageant title of Miss Natal in 1972. This qualified her to enter the Miss South Africa, which she also won. Mama Shange then made history as the first Black woman to represent the country in Miss World 1972.
She is also a renowned actress known a number of roles. Mama Cynthia captivated audiences in SA’s first black feature film, Udeliwe, alongside Joe Mafela. In 1986 she was cast as “Mkabi” in the five part mini-series, Shaka Zulu.
