As the news of the death of legendary South African actress Connie Chiume spread across the world, fans, industry peers and government officials have lauded her as one of the greatest actors of her generation.
According to a statement from her family, the iconic actress passed away, aged 72, on Tuesday, August 6, at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg.
The cause of her death has not yet been revealed and her family has requested privacy during this time.
Read the full statement below.
The iconic actress has been a part of the South African and international industry for more than four and a half decades.
During her illustrious career, she starred in the international blockbuster, “Black Panther” and reprised her role in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”.
Chiume also portrayed Simba’s mother Sarabi in Beyoncé’s “Black Is King”, a musical film interpreting the global icon’s soundtrack album “The Lion King: The Gift”.
Locally, the actress entertained viewers with stellar performances in soapies, TV shows and films like “Gomora”, “Rhythm City”, “Thula's Vine”, “Zone 14”, “Losing Lerato” and, in her early days, she featured in “Inkom' Edla Yodwa”, among several other productions.
Her accolades include winning two Saftas and an NTVA Avanti Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role in “Zone 14”.
She also received a Living Legend Award from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture’s Cultural and Creative Industries Awards that took place on March 30.
Sharing her experience with Chiume, veteran actress, Rami Chuene told SABC News: “Mam’ Connie is one of the best actresses we’ve had ever.”
“When Mam’ Connie started working in 1977, I was two-years-old, so that should tell you how long she’s been in the industry. Growing up, being a girl from Limpopo who got to experience someone like Mam’ Connie in the flesh and then to actually develop a personal relationship with her, has been such a blessing.”
Meanwhile Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie said that Chuime’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... May her memory continue to inspire future generations of artists,” McKenzie shared on X.
The ANC shared through a statement that Chiume has left an ineradicable mark on the entertainment industry through her exceptional talent and dedication.
“Through her career, she shaped the course of our democracy, authentically telling stories of hope and of a South Africa we envisioned in the days of apartheid through her talent both in South Africa and on the global stage.
“She belongs to a class of courageous South African women who dedicated their lives to bettering the lives of others... She has made stellar contributions to the development of the creative sector, working with both government and civil society for the benefit of all,” read the statement.
Chiume is survived by her four children. Her memorial and funeral details have yet to be confirmed by the family.