Mzansi has lost yet another giant. 2024 has dealt another blow to celebville. We have lost yet another icon. Veteran Actress Connie Chiume has died at age 72. She passed away on Tuesday at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, after a period of illness, according to a statement released by her family.
Chiume was best known for her starring role as Mamokete “Kete” Khuse, an upstanding and moral woman and maternal figure in the fictional community soapie Rhythm City, on e.tv. A name she carried till the end, proving just how prolific she was. She played the role between 2007 and 2016.
Her impressive body of work included roles in iconic films – Black Panther, Black Is King, and Blessers. She also appeared in shows like Zone 14, Soul City, Mazinyo Dot Q and Gomora.
Chiume was born and spent her early childhood in Welkom, in the Free State. She completed her matric in the Eastern Cape and went on to graduate with a degree in teaching in 1976. After few years of teaching, she quit to travel and moved to Greece.
Connie Chiume began her acting career with roles in Porgy and Bess, Ipi Ntombi, and Little Shop of Horrors. Upon returning to South Africa, she was cast as Thembi in the 1989 series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa and then the 1990 film Warriors from Hell. In 2000, she won the award for Best Actress in a Drama Series at the South African Film and Television Awards.
In 2006, she starred in the stage productions of You Strike The Woman and You Strike The Rock. From 2007 to 2015, Chiume gained prominence through her role as Stella Moloi in the SABC1 drama series Zone 14, which earned her another SAFTA. She also received the Award for the Best Supporting Actress in a Drama during the 3rd SAFTA.
Chiume’s accolades on screen and theatre are absolutely fit for a powerhouse that she was. So effortlessly talented. Her professionalism and work ethos inspired her fellow thespians. A true legend. Gone too soon.
Your remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry and your powerful performances have left an everlasting imprint. We will always remember and honour your impact mama Connie.
She is survived by her two sons and two daughters.
Our heartfelt condolences to her family, colleagues and fans worldwide.
Rest in power. Rest in peace Connie Chiume. Go on. Go home.
By Sinenzolo Mondi
