The legendary South African actress and filmmaker Connie Chiume has died. Chiume passed away at the age of 72.
This was announced by her family in an Instagram post on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the family statement, the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress who starred in Black Panther died on Tuesday at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg.
Family confirms passing
“The Chiume family regrets informing you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award winning actress Connie Chiume. [We] ask for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details,” said the statement.
Chiume also starred in local shows like Rhythm City, Gomora and Blessers.
She was acknowledged for her role as Mam Sonto, a famous drug dealer who resided in Alexandra, on Mzansi Magic’s Gomora.
She dies as a nominated outstanding actress on the Royal Soap Awards for her role of Sonto.
Connie was best known for her roles as Mamokete Khuze in Rhythm City and Mam’Sonto in Gomora. Chiume was one of the most popular veteran actresses in South Africa. She played wide-ranging roles in tens of local and international television shows and films.
Connie initially pursued an entirely different career path before eventually venturing into acting.
The actress was born on June 5 1952. Her father, Wright Tadeyo Chiume, was a Malawian, while her mother, MaNdlovu, was a South African-born Zulu woman.
Colourful acting career
Connie attended a local primary school in Welkom before completing her secondary school education in the Eastern Cape. After completing high school, she enrolled in a nurse training college. However, she did not complete her nursing studies, and eventually landed a job as a teacher.
After teaching for a while in her native country, Connie resigned and relocated to Israel and then Greece. While in Greece, she discovered her passion for the performing arts and began participating in stage plays. Her acting career gradually took off. And her big break came in 1989 when she was cast to play Thembi in the TV series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.
The actress plays Zawavari in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Her character is an older Wakandan sorcerer and mystical advisor to the royal family.
The renowned actress got married in 1985. The two divorced in 2014 after 29 years of marriage. They were blessed with four children (two sons and two daughters).
At the time of her passing, she was said to be living with some of her children in Johannesburg.
Minister passes condolences
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has extended his condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary actress Connie Chiume.
“Her passing at age 72 marks a profound loss for the South African nation and the world of arts and culture. Chiume’s matchless talents and dedication to her craft have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many,” said the department on Tuesday.
Born in Welkom, South Africa, Chiume’s journey was one of resilience and brilliance. Her early years were spent in Welkom before she completed her matric in the Eastern Cape and graduated with a degree in teaching in 1976.
After a few years of teaching, she pursued her passion for travel and moved to Greece. Chiume began her illustrious acting career with roles in Porgy and Bess, Ipi Ntombi and Little Shop of Horrors.
Upon returning to South Africa, she captivated audiences with her performance as Thembi in the 1989 series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa and the 1990 film Warriors from Hell.
Her talent was recognised with a Best Actress award at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in 2000.
From 2007 to 2015, Connie gained prominence through her role as Stella Moloi in the SABC1 drama series Zone 14, earning her another SAFTA. She also received the Best Supporting Actress in a Drama award at the third SAFTAs.
Charmed viewers
In 2015, she charmed viewers in the soap opera Rhythm City as Mamokete Khuse.
Chiume’s talent transcended borders when she played in Black Panther in 2018.
In 2020, she continued to shine in the drama series Gomora and appeared in the film Black Is King.
She was also a recipient of the Living Legend award at the department’s inaugural Cultural and Creative Industry Awards (CCIAs) that took place on the 30th of March 2024.
Upon learning of the news of Chiume’s passing, McKenzie said: “Her performances brought joy, inspiration, and a sense of pride to countless South Africans. She was more than an actress; she was a beacon of strength, resilience and grace. Mam’ Connie’s contribution to the arts not only entertained. She inspired, educated and uplifted communities throughout our country.
“As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life and legacy. May her memory continue to inspire future generations of artists. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the outpouring of love and support from all those who cherished her.” Additional reporting by SAnews.gov.za
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