A gathering of friends, family, and members of the creative community convened at Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton to honour veteran actress Connie Chiume’s extraordinary career journey and the pivotal role she played in shaping the world of arts in South Africa.
Chiume, a luminary whose influence extended beyond SA, was praised for her exceptional contributions and her unwavering passion for her craft which has won the hearts of many.
The emotionally charged service reminded many about the multiple extraordinary characters she portrayed merged with the infectious energy she carried everywhere.
The creative industry described how they knew her for her endearing expressions that brought her closer to people, from viewers at home to co-workers, setting an aura of ease with everyone she crossed paths with.
There were also heartfelt performances from award-winning musicians Mthandazo Gatya and special tributes from other esteemed thespians such as Owen Sejake, Lilian Dube, and John Kani, among many others.
Prominent producer Desiree Markgraaff highlighted a few of her standout moments from the drama series Zone 14, in which she played Stellar.
Yizo Yizo, Zone 14, Jacobs Cross, Isibaya, Ayeye, Isithembiso, and many other popular television shows in South Africa are among the works that Markgraaff, who has collaborated extensively with Chiume, has spearheaded.
“Connie could take you to any space she put her mind to. She was the epitome of a glamorous diva in character, a true star on set. We live in an era now where words like icon and legend mean that with such ease somebody does just one thing and then you are an icon. So I was reading up what icon means, and I know that there are a few icons — real icons — in this room, and Ma Connie was one of them.’’
Reflecting on Chiume, Kani, who collaborated with her on the popular Marvel Studios film Black Panther, said: “Thank you to the Connie family, the sons and daughters, the aunts and the uncles. I don't know how to say we feel like you because we would never ever feel like you. Everybody has so many beautiful things about Connie.
“Everybody calls her Aus Connie, Sis Connie, and at 81 years old, I am the only one who could say Connie, and she used to call me uBhuti Wam. That made me used to feel so special. Because she put me out of the crowd and called me Bhuti Wam. It is a pity that we don't have the recognition that we give to our artists that happens in this country. I appreciate the presence of MECs that are with us, ambassadors; it is wonderful to see that even the government knows that we exist.”
She was also praised for her enduring influence by the Gomora cast, in which she played Mam’ Sonto.
Additionally, Chiume’s agency, Nashoda, Lilian Dube, provided unique words about the multi-talented actress, who was well-known for her contributions outside of the screen persona.
The family disclosed that Chiume would be laid to rest at Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, on Thursday, starting at 8am.
Meanwhile, this week, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, a pioneering broadcaster, also passed away at the age of 52.
Mbokazi-Nkambule, the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and broadcaster on Ukhozi FM, will be remembered at a memorial service on Thursday at the SABC offices in Durban.
The Star