by Thinus Ferreira
The South African actress Connie Chiume died today in hospital. She was 72.
In a statement, her family says "The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed and award-winning actress Connie Chiume."
"Connie Chiume (72) passed on at the Garden City Hospital today, 6 August 2024. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details."
Connie Chiume's cause of death on Tuesday isn't immediately known.
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's minister of sports, arts and culture, on Tuesday in a statement said "Her passing at age 72 marks a profound loss for the South African nation and the world of arts and culture".
"Connie Chiume's matchless talents and dedication to her craft have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. 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."
Connie Chiume who was born Temweka Gabisile Chiume on 5 June 1952 in Welkom where she also grew up was known for her roles in films like 2018's Black Panther, Black is King and Blessers.
After spending time overseas after completing matric, she returned to South Africa and was cast as Thembi in the 1989 series Inlom' Edla Yodwa and also had a role in the 1990 film Warriors from Hell.
In television, she appeared in various SABC1 series from Soul City for which she won the Avanti award in 2000 for Best Actress in a drama series, to the second and third seasons of Yizo Yizo, three seasons of Zone 14 as Stella Moloi, as well as in Generations.
It was however her role in e.tv's Rhythm City where she portrayed Mamokete "Kete" Khuse for almost a decade from 2007 until 2016 that truly solidified Connie Chuime's persona as a beloved South African television mother.
Connie Chiume's other TV roles ranged from appearing in four seasons of Gomora on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), to Netflix South Africa's Queen Sono, SABC1's Mazinyo Dot Q as Ma Mavuso-September, to SABC2's drama series 90 Plein Street and Thula's Vine.
Connie Chiume also had TV roles in Easy Money, Grassroots, in two seasons of SABC2's Home Affairs, three seasons of Mzansi Magic's Housekeepers drama series, two seasons of It's Complicated, the second season of Ring of Lies, SABC1's Sgudi Snaysi, Soon Comes Night and across three seasons of Khululeka.
She was also in SABC2's Stokvel sitcom, made a guest appearance on SABC2's Vetkoekpaleis and was a celebrity contestant on the first season of e.tv's game show I Love South Africa.
Connie Chiume's extensive film career include movie credits on 1994's The Air Up There, Chikin Biznis ...The Whole Story!, 2000's I Dreamed of Africa, In My Country, Fanie Fourie's Lobola, the 2015 short film Lerato, 2019's Losing Lerato, the 2020 short film What Did You Dream?, Seriously Single and 2022's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
She also starred and directed in the 1998 made-for-TV movie Tierarztin Christine III: Abenteuer in SudAfrika.
In 2000, Connie Chiume won the award for Best Actress in a drama series at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) - one of three Golden Horns she won over her career.
On stage she appeared in Porgy and Bess, Ipi Tombi that toured New Zealand, the United States, Monte Carlo and across South Africa, as well as in Little Shop of Horrors, You Strike the Woman and You Strike the Rock.
Connie Chiume was married from 1985 to 2004 and leave behind two adult sons and two daughters.
Connie Chiume's one son Nongelo Chiume, told Newzroom Afrika (DStv 405) on Tuesday that "we want her to be remembered as someone who was selfless; someone who always wanted to see the next person doing great things in their God-given talent".
"My mother was a very ambitious person. She was a hard worker, she was a visionary, and I think one of the things that kept her going was her faith. She had so much faith in terms of how she connected with her spirituality".
"Very few people know that she also received an honorary award in the United States - Freedom of the City in Houston, Texas."
