South Africa former beauty queen and TV personality Michelle Molatlou dies

Former beauty queen and TV star Michelle Molatlou has died following a battle with cervical cancer.

Molatlou was the last Miss Black South Africa before the pageant was discontinued 1993.

She went on to become a TV presenter on SABC2's magazine show Mamepe, and an actress Kgalelo Pelo, In the Name of Love, Mokgonyana Matswale and most recently Generations: The Legacy.

A statement issued on behalf of the Molatlou's family reads: "Michelle was surrounded by lots of love with the family and friends. She succumbed to her battle with cervical cancer on Tuesday 19th December at the National Hospital in Bloemfontein. (sic)"

It goes on to say: "While we mourn the loss of a very wonderful, humble and caring spirit, we also celebrate her remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves. (sic)"

Read the statement posted by blogger Phil Mphela below:

TV: Former actress, tv personality and beauty queen, Michelle Molatlou, has passed on. She succumbed to her battle with cervical cancer on Tuesday 19th December 2017 at the National Hospital in Bloemfontein. #RIPMichelleMolatlou

Press statement below 👇🏿👇🏿 pic.twitter.com/sckDYL9aXY

— Phil Mphela (@PhilMphela) December 19, 2017

Tributes from industry friends also started to pour in on social media with Flo Masebe remembering Molatlou as an "amazing all-rounder."

Michelle Molatlou was an amazing all-rounder. From being crowned Miss Black South Africa to playing lead roles in SABC dramas, then magazines and advertising... Always reinventing herself. Always elegantly brilliant. Always beautiful. What a sad loss. 💔 #RIPMichelleMolatlou

— Mme a Masakona (@FloMasebe) December 19, 2017

My friend of over 25 years,so sad and heartbroken about your passing,may u have eternal rest Tshegofatso Michelle Molatlou 😭😭💔💔💔 #RIPTshego pic.twitter.com/qmd43DIN6h

— Cougaring&Raccooning (@soniamotaung) December 19, 2017

Gutted to learn of the death of former Miss Black South Africa Michelle Molatlou.
She was a good friend and former colleague at Drum.
Last spoke on 23 October. I knew she was battling cervical cancer, but thought she'd pull through. #RIPMichelleMolatlou pic.twitter.com/lMChwVyN9R

— Mathanda (@MathandaNcube) December 19, 2017