Cynthia Shange was born in Lamontville, Durban, in KwaZulu Natal. She started modeling in 1970 and won several championships.She won the title of Miss Natal.This afforded her the opportunity to enter and win in the Miss South Africa competition, securing the title of Miss Black South Africa.

 

In the year 1986, she joined the Shaka Zulu cast where she played Mkabi in the five-part miniseries.

Her most recent notable role was when she played the mother to Thandaza from Muvhango on SABC2. Her character’s name was MaNkosi Buthelezi.