Trailblazing black beauty queen who defied apartheid South Africa dies aged 76

Trailblazer Cynthia Shange, regarded in South Africa as the first black woman to represent the country in the prestigious Miss World beauty competition at the height of Apartheid, has died aged 76.Her daughter Nonhle Thema shared the news of her passing "with a heavy heart", as she paid tribute to her mother and her "compassionate" soul. "Please keep my family in your prayers during this difficult time," she wrote on social media.Hailed as a pioneer for her efforts on the international stage, Shange was also a formidable actress with a career spanning decades.The former beauty queen passed away early on Monday morning in hospital following an illness, according to local media.Thema's Instagram post also contained a celebration of life poster, with a short tribute, accompanied by a smiling photograph of Shange. "A graceful and compassionate soul whose presence brought warmth, dignity, and kindness to all those who knew her," it read, adding: "We honour her journey, her strength, and the love she shared so generously."Details of her funeral are to follow soon, the post said.Born Cynthia Philisiwe Shange on 27 July, 1949, she rose to prominence in the 1970s when she represented South Africa at the Miss World pageant.