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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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.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his eagerness to obtain and read 'My Life of Duty and Allegiance,' the newly released memoir by former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon. Obasanjo described the book as an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical record. He stated that Gowon's life and service traversed some of the most critical periods in Nigeria’s history and that his account of events is very important. Obasanjo, who served as Army Chief of Staff and second-in-command to the military government that toppled Gowon’s government in 1975, explained his absence from the memoir's presentation on May 19, 2026. He cited a longstanding international commitment as Co-chair of the InterAction Council, requiring his attendance at a scheduled meeting in Hong Kong on the same date. Obasanjo conveyed his regrets to General Gowon in an apology letter dated May 4, 2026. General Gowon, who ruled Nigeria between August 1966 and July 1975, unveiled his autobiography detailing his contributions to the country's socio-economic development and reflections on key events, including the 1967-1970 civil war.
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries has instructed all its branches across the country to conclude church programs by 8:00 PM and suspend vigils and overnight meetings indefinitely. This directive, issued in an internal memo dated June 5, 2026, and signed by Temitope A. Olawale, Director of Administration at the church's international headquarters in Lagos, cites increasing security concerns nationwide. The church stated that the decision prioritizes the safety and well-being of its members amidst current security challenges. All services, meetings, and other church activities must now end by 8:00 PM, and vigils may be converted to evening prayer programs concluding by the same time. The church emphasized that these precautionary measures are mandatory for all levels of the ministry and are intended to protect members given the prevailing security situation, which includes banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on rural communities.