Veteran actress and model Cynthia Shange revealed shocking news on Saturday evening at the Simon Mabhunu Sabela KZN Film and Television awards.
Shange, who is a former beauty pageant contestant, has been praised for her ability to transition from the modelling stage to the world of acting. She has made appearances in several well-known productions including Shaka Zulu and Muvhango.
Health complications
She was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement award and shared that in 2018 she was hospitalised after experiencing complications with diabetes.
During her acceptance speech Shange said she was grateful to be able to accept the award on her own.
“I could have accepted this award being accompanied by someone with a wheelchair, but I am grateful for God’s mercy. In 2018 when I was travelling to Durban from Johannesburg, I had complications which left me hospitalised for three months. It was hard and I was in between life and death, I ask that you let me thank Shembe for saving my life when there was no hope,” said Shange.
When the doctors told her that her one leg needed to be amputated, she said she refused and told the doctors that she was shooting a movie.
Went through four operations
“I lied and told them I had signed a contract which I could not breach and if I were to breach it, I would have to pay R5 Million. They called my daughter to come sign forms so I could get some antibiotics. My leg was getting worse by the day and after taking these antibiotics the complications got worse.”
She shared that she had to undergo four operations and on the last occasion she was lucky not to come back without a leg. Shange revealed that through the whole process she sadly lost five of her toes.
In an interview with Sunday World, speaking about the award she said: “I am thrilled, what else can I say. I am grateful. It feels like a dream, but I am honoured.”
She also added that she feels sad when she thinks about other talented individuals who have started this journey alongside her and will now not get to see her celebrate this occasion.
“Most of them are gone, and I wish they were here with me.”
