By Mark Ogagan
Veteran South African actress, Connie Chiume will be laid to rest today (Thursday, 15 August, 2024) after a funeral service at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton, East of Johannesburg.
Chiume died in hospital last week, following a short illness.
The 72-year-old was synonymous on South African TV screens for decades. She appeared in different dramas such as Gomora, Soul City and Zone 14.
Chiume also starred in international cinematography such as Marvel Studio’s Black Panther and Beyoncé’s Black Is King. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton Mackenzie and Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi are some of the people attending the funeral.
Actress Nokuthula Ledwaba says she has lost a mother, a mentor and a friend.
“I met her when I had lost my mom 7 months previously and we got to work together. She wasn’t just my own screen mom, but she would be my own mom and grandmother to my children. She was dependable, caring, gentle and fearless and super talented. She was all those things.”
Chairperson of the Market Theater and former SABC Head of News Phil Molefe has described the late Connie Chiume as a pioneer of the South African television and entertainment industry.
Molefe shared a story of how he helped Chiume secure an audition while they were still working as teachers.
“Connie was a sister, a friend and a colleague both in teaching and in the creative arts space. Connie’s spirit will live on. Rest in peace Connie, my friend and sister!”
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