Legendary South African Actress Connie Chiume Passes Away

Chiume was born in Welkom, South Africa to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother, and is the fifth of nine children. She trained as a nurse after high school, and ended up teaching students. Her initial forays into acting were in the form of a musical called Sola Sola that she joined in 1977.

She told Sowetan S Mag that she didn’t even understand what an audition was. “I arrived there and found all these upbeat people dressed in bell-bottoms and T-shirts, and there I was in my dress and heels because I was a teacher. But I knew one thing: I could sing and I could dance."

She shot to the limelight in the late 1980s with the series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa. In 2000, she won the NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Soul City. She received a SAFTA for her role in Zone 14 as Best Supporting Actress in a Drama in 2009.

Chiume’s recent accomplishments include her role as Mam’Sonto Molefe in Gomora and a Feather Award nomination in 2020. She was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 SAFTAs.

Chiume’s on-screen talent set her apart from the pack, and ensured that she never stayed away from our screens for a long time. “I believe that when we’re born, we’re all wired differently. If the power that is the universe has put something in you, there’s no way you can run away from it,” she told the SABC.

Chiume championed young actors, and was always excited at the prospect of learning something new from them. “We have a new breed of practitioners coming in, people who went to school and learned about acting, things that we didn’t learn about. It’s so exciting to work with the younger generation,” she said.

She also underscored the importance of discipline during the same interview, and emphasized that respect for others is what has sustained her career over the years.

Following the announcement of her passing, tributes from industry peers have been pouring in. Under the family’s announcement of her passing on Instagram, DJ Zinhle wrote, “RIP MAMA.”

“Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered,” read the statement from the South African government’s account.

Television actress Leera Mthethwawrote on X, “This is unbelievable like death is brand new. You were so vibrant, full of life and ready to fight the ills of this industry for and with us. Re latlhegetswe e le ruri! You’ll never be forgotten Mababy. Rest with the angels, saints and stars. We love you.”

Producer Nkanyezi also expressed his condolences on X, stating, “Thank you for the greatest stories.”

Veteran South African presenter Felicia Mabuza-Suttlesaid she was, “Sad to learn about the passing of an icon and legend #ConnieChiume. Brought back these words she said on the #FeliciaShow. She said, 'I didn't come here for glamour or money. I believe in this thing called, 'a calling.' God has called me to be where I am.' Profound. RIP Diva!”

Chiume told the MacG Podcast that she would like for people to remember her the way they choose to. “I have impacted each and every person in a different way. Whatever way I have impacted you, remember me that way.”

She leaves behind four children, and will be remembered for her outstanding acting and memorable roles.