The late Connie Chiume was a South African celebrity who starred on renowned soapies such as Gomora.
Photo: conniechiume/Instagram
- Connie Chiume, known for her iconic roles in Gomora, Rhythm City and Black Panther, died after a battle with illness.
- The funeral, held at Oasis of Life in Daveyton, was a mix of sad reflection and celebration of her contributions to film and television.
- Industry peers, celebrities, and government officials paid tribute to Chiume, remembering her as a mentor, mother figure, and trailblazer.
The South African entertainment industry and the nation at large came together on Wednesday to bid a heartfelt farewell to veteran performer Connie Chiume. The iconic actor’s presence on screen and off touched countless lives.
The funeral, held at the Oasis of Life in Daveyton, was a sombre yet celebratory affair, reflecting the profound impact Chiume had on the industry and the people she inspired.
Chiume leaves behind her children, Itumeleng Chiume, Nongelo Chiume, Thabisile Mabuza, Nothando Mabuza and grandchildren.
Connie Chiume, best known for playing MamSonto in the popular Mzansi Magic’s Gomora, died last week after a battle with illness.
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Her career spanned over four decades, during which she became a beloved figure in South African television and film.
From her early days on shows like SABC 1’s Zone 14 to her international roles in Marvel’s Black Panther and Beyoncé’s Black is King, Chiume’s versatility and talent cemented her as a pillar of the South African television industry.
Numerous industry peers, celebrities, and government officials attended the funeral service, all of whom paid tribute to Chiume’s remarkable career and contributions to the arts.
The government officials present were Minister of the Department of Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula.
Fellow actors described Chiume as a mentor and mother figure who always had time to guide and support younger performers.
Actor Nokuthula Ledwaba Mavuso said she has lost a mother, a mentor, and a friend. The two acted as a mother-daughter duo in Rhythm City, where Mavuso played Tshidi and Chiume played Mamokete.
Mavuso said, “I met her when I had lost my mom seven months previously, and we got to work together. She wasn’t just my screen mom; she would be my mom and grandmother to my children. She was dependable, caring, gentle, fearless, and super talented. She was all those things.”
READ MORE| WATCH | Farewell to a legend: Connie Chiume’s life honoured at memorial service
Fellow actor Rami Chuene described her as a mentor and mother figure who always had time to guide and support younger performers.
Lebo M, who worked with Chiume on several projects, called her “a beacon of light in the industry, whose warmth and wisdom will be sorely missed.”
The Minister of Arts and Culture praised Chiume’s role in elevating South African cinema on the global stage.
Local artists performed, including Buhlebendalo Mda and Chiume’s grandson Culture, paying their final respects to Chiume.
A special tribute montage played during the service, showcasing some of her most memorable performances, bringing tears to the eyes of many in attendance.
Her family, including her children and grandchildren, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from fans and colleagues alike. They spoke of Chiume as a celebrated actor and a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family above all else.
As the nation says goodbye to Connie Chiume, her legacy as a trailblazer in South African entertainment remains cemented in history.
