Veteran South African actress Connie Chiume, known for her powerful performances both locally and internationally, has died at the age of 72.
The Chiume family confirmed her passing on August 6, 2024, at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg.
In a statement released on social media, the family said:
“The Chiume Family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume.”
Chiume’s career in the entertainment industry spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on South African film and television. Her versatility as an actress was evident in the multitude of roles she portrayed, from family matriarchs to hardcore criminals.
Many will remember her as MaMokete Khuse in the popular series Rhythm City, where she played a devoted mother who would go to great lengths for her children. More recently, she captivated audiences as the tough-as-nails Mam’ Sonto in Gomora.
Chiume’s talent wasn’t confined to South African borders.
She gained international recognition for her role in the Marvel blockbuster Black Panther, showcasing her ability to transition seamlessly between local and global productions.
In an interview with City Press, Chiume once shared the humble beginnings of her showbiz career.
“I had never been in showbiz, let alone received any sort of acting training,” she recalled, describing how a newspaper advertisement for auditions changed her life when she was working as a teacher in Soweto.
Throughout her career, Chiume received numerous accolades for her contributions to the arts.
She was honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 6th Royal Soapie Awards, the 16th SA Film and Television Awards (Saftas), and the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards in the US.
Connie Chiume’s legacy as a trailblazer and her contributions to the arts will continue to inspire future generations of performers.
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Tributes pour in for late Connie Chiume
Tributes for the veteran SA actress have streamed in on social media:
A remarkable talent whose heart and life touched so many. Farewell, Mam’Connie. Rest in Peace 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/UlDA0b28lc
— Mzansi Magic (@Mzansimagic) August 6, 2024
A Curtain Call to Legendary multi-award winning Actor and Arts Activist mam’Connie Chiume.
Your remarkable contributions to our industry and powerful performances word wide have left an everlasting imprint.
We will always remember and honor your impact.🕊️❤️#RIPConnieChiume… pic.twitter.com/6LsBmtL2wn
— Actor Spaces (@actorspaces) August 6, 2024
A tree has fallen. What a loss to our nation and the world. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans of globally accomplished actress Connie Chiume. #RIPConnieChiume 💐🕊💔 pic.twitter.com/ftZ35HVdMJ
— Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) August 6, 2024
Thank you for being such an amazing iconic actress we enjoyed watching on our screens for all those years.
THANK YOU.🙌🏾🕊🕊#RIPConnieChiume 💔🕊 pic.twitter.com/X5H2rUWJ3w pic.twitter.com/sJ1NJ4fQrB
— Pedi-Boy-from-Limpopo(Gravity_de_boi_Rsa)🇿🇦🇷🇺 (@Tshepixo__21) August 6, 2024
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Feature Image: X / @Tsholo_Matshaba