Cynthia Shange, first black South African Miss World representative, dies at 76
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Cynthia Shange, the first black woman to represent South Africa at Miss World during apartheid, has passed away at 76 in KwaZulu-Natal Province after an illness. Born in Durban in 1949, Shange gained prominence in the early 1970s, winning a Miss South Africa title in 1972 and competing in the 1972 Miss World pageant in London. South Africa’s Parliament honored her as a “cultural pioneer, a trailblazer, and a powerful symbol of African excellence” who affirmed the dignity of Black South Africans when it was systematically denied. Parliament noted her global presence inspired generations, especially young black women in the arts. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and his deputy, Peace Mabe, described Shange as a fearless pioneer who transformed representation. McKenzie stated she was a “barrier-breaker for black people and for women” who redefined possibilities, leaving a legacy of courage, dignity, and excellence. Mabe added that Shange inspired young women to claim their space.
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Nollywood actress and African Action Congress governorship candidate for Abia State in the 2027 elections, Doris Ogala, was hospitalized at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, after losing consciousness during a consultation. She later updated her Instagram followers, stating she was stabilized. While at the hospital, Ogala, who was in a wheelchair, interacted with patients and staff, engaging with them and offering prayers. Ogala recently became the AAC's candidate for the Abia governorship, aiming to unseat Governor Alex Otti in 2027, with a campaign focused on prioritizing the people, economic growth, and job creation. The incident has generated online attention, with reactions varying from praise for her generosity to skepticism, with many social media users viewing it as a publicity stunt related to her political ambitions. Others questioned her health and fitness for office, while some commended her support for patients.
Must ReadSamaila Muhammad Mera, the emir of Argungu in Nigeria's Kebbi state, has called on residents to pool resources and purchase weapons to defend themselves against attacks by criminal gangs. In an online video, Mera urged local chiefs to procure arms, stating that the government is overwhelmed and communities should protect their homes and property. Kebbi State has experienced sporadic attacks from both jihadists, including the Lakurawa group, and non-ideological criminal gangs known as bandits. These gangs kidnap travelers, raid villages, abduct residents, and loot homes. Mera, a prominent traditional chief, emphasized that communities should stockpile arms, even if it means risking their lives. This call for self-defense echoes similar appeals from other influential figures in northern Nigeria, such as former Katsina state governor Aminu Bello Masari in August 2021 and Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad, a traditional chief in Zamfara, in December 2020. While traditional rulers lack constitutional powers, they hold significant cultural influence. Many farming and herding communities in northern states have formed vigilante groups due to incessant bandit attacks, though these groups have also been accused of extrajudicial killings, leading to cycles of violence and subsequent bans by state governments.
BreakingThe US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC has urged robust public health interventions to control the current Ebola outbreak, citing models that indicate it could otherwise rival the 2014 West Africa outbreak. That previous outbreak resulted in over 28,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths. Jason Asher, director of CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics, stated that such a scale is possible. The US projections, part of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report documents, suggest that the worst outcomes could be avoided if a larger proportion of patients are identified, isolated, and treated. However, the CDC noted that the public health response will likely need to be of similar magnitude to the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak. Asher clarified that these models are a planning tool to support action, not to generate alarm. They are based on four intervention scenarios, from poor to extremely high levels of isolation and treatment. If isolation levels are poor with no other interventions, there is a 65 percent chance cases will exceed 20,000 within three months. Satish Pillai, the CDC manager for the Ebola response, indicated that current isolation levels are on the lower end. The World Health Organization and the African Union’s public health agency also announced that $518 million is needed over the next six months to combat the outbreak in the DR Congo and neighboring countries. The outbreak, declared on May 15 in northeastern DR Congo, involves the
Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed frustration regarding defender Chris Richards' uncertain status for the upcoming World Cup. Richards, a Crystal Palace center-back with 36 US caps, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury sustained last month. He will miss the United States' friendly against Germany in Chicago. Although Richards was named to the tournament squad, FIFA rules allow for his replacement up to 24 hours before the co-hosts' opening game. Pochettino stated that Richards is training but not yet ready to compete, and a decision on his World Cup participation will be made after further assessment of his ankle. The US will open its World Cup campaign against Paraguay next Friday in Los Angeles, with Australia and Turkey as other group opponents. Pochettino indicated that the recovery timeline for Richards has been longer than anticipated, leading to his frustration. He suggested that waiting for Richards to recover might negatively impact the squad, as there is limited time during the World Cup for players who are not fully match-fit.