Veteran actress and filmmaker Connie Chiume has passed away. The family of the beloved star confirmed that the ‘Black Panther‘ actress died aged 72 on Tuesday morning at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg following a medical procedure.
In a short statement posted on her verified Instagram account, her family shared: “The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume.”
Her son Lungelo Chiume confirmed in a television interview that Mam’ Connie, as she was fondly known, died in the morning following a medical procedure. The family asked for privacy during this difficult time.
With an acting career spanning almost five decades, Chiume leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performances, including most recently an older Wakandan sorcerer and mystical advisor to the royal family Zawavari in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’.
She received widespread praise for her appearance in the Marvel Universe movie “Black Is King,” an American musical film co-written, executive produced, and directed by Beyoncé, solidifying her as an international star.
Locally, the legendary actress will remembered for a mix of memorable acting roles such as Mamokete Khuse in ‘Rhythm City’, matriarch ’Sonto Molefe in ‘Gomora‘, as Stella Moloi in ‘Zone 14‘ and as Ma Lerato in the 2019 comedy movie ‘Blessers‘, leaves behind a legacy of remarkable performances spanning more than five decades.
She was more than an actress. She was a beacon of strength, resilience and grace.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie
Tributes for the late star continued to pour in on social media following the shocking announcement of her passing.
“Rest Ma and thank you for everything. Sending healing energies and prayers to you Thando and the family,” TV presenter Andile Ncube wrote.
“I remember your speech at the 2023 Royalty Soapie awards of how the industry was for you during the atrocious Apartheid regime…And today…Thank you for your teachings and sacrifices. We can, because you paved the way for us,” actress Tsholofelo Matshaba shared on X.
“Go well Mama, it hurts but you played your role. Immensely proud of your accomplishments #RIPConnieChiume,” Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi shared on X.
“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,” former Public Protector, advocate Thuli Madonsela wrote.
“A colourful life, stellar career and joie de vivre…. Mam’ Connie was a prolific actress but it’s in the latter years that her star shone bright & her international profile rose. A testament to “slow & steady wins the race” She received her flowers. Deservedly #RIPConnieChiume,” Lerato Mbele wrote.
“Rest in peace, Mam’ Connie Chiume. Your smile, passion for your craft, and love for so many will leave a lasting mark on our hearts. Thank you for sharing your light with the world. Sending my deepest love and strength to family and loved ones during this difficult time,” Metro FM’s Khutso Theledi wrote.
“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,” Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said in a statement.
Connie Chiume’s colourful career life
The late South African acting icon was born Connie Temweka Gabisile Chiume on June 5 in 1952 in Welkom, Free State where she also grew up. She 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 a brief teaching stint in South Africa, she resigned and relocated to Israel and then Greece, where she discovered her passion for the performing arts and began participating in stage plays. Her big television break came in 1989 in the TV series ‘Inkom’ Edla Yodwa‘, followed by the film ‘Warriors from Hell‘ in 1990.
Some of her notable TV acting roles include ‘Soul City‘ on SABC 1, which earned her an Avanti Award in 2000 for Best Actress in a drama series, as well as ‘Yizo Yizo‘, SABC 2 ‘Home Affairs‘, as well as ‘Housekeepers‘, ‘It’s Complicated‘ and ‘Ring of Lies‘ on Mzansi Magic. Some of her memorable early TV appearances include SABC 1 mainstays ‘Sgudi Snaysi‘, ‘Khululeka‘ for three seasons and ‘Generations‘.
The renowned actress and filmmaker got married in 1985 but got divorced in 2014 after 29 years of marriage with four children (two sons and two daughters).
