With an infectious laugh that could light up any room, a passion for acting that radiated through in every role she played, Connie Chiume was a rare gem. On August 6, the internationally acclaimed and award-winning actress died at the age of 72. She was being treated at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg when news of her death was announced by her family.
Chiume was more than just a celebrated actress — she was a force of nature who left an indelible mark on the South African entertainment industry. With a career spanning more than four decades, she was adored by everyone in the business and affectionately known as “Mama Connie”.
In a television interview after her death, Chiume’s son, Nongelo, described his mother as an ambitious, hard-working visionary who was steadfast in her faith. “She was this little girl from the Free State with big dreams. I listened to her sharing her dreams at a younger age, and she lived those dreams. She dreamt of being on world stages and going to London, and these are all things she achieved,” Nongelo said.
Gabisile Connie Chiume was born on June 5 1952 in the mining town of Welkom in the Free State. Her upbringing was shaped by her parents’ hard work. Her father was a migrant labourer from Malawi and her mother a South African domestic worker. Her journey to stardom was not a straightforward one, but her unwavering determination, talent and charisma would see her rise to become one of the most respected figures in the industry.
Chiume’s love for the arts was ignited early in life, but she first pursued a career in nursing, a testament to her nurturing spirit. She trained as a nurse at Tembisa Hospital, diligently sending money home to support her parents each month. However, when she fell pregnant and was dismissed from the nursing programme, she had to rethink her future. In apartheid South Africa, for a black woman teaching was the next best option, and it was here she would find her true calling.
In the late 1970s, while teaching at a school in Orlando, Soweto, she saw an advertisement for dancers, singers and actors, and made the bold decision to follow her dreams. She took a train ride costing 25c from Orlando to the audition, an investment that would begin a new chapter in her life. She had to quit her teaching job, which was an easy decision, she joked in interviews, because at the time she was earning R78 a month and after being cast in the production she was set to make R100 a week on a nine-month tour of Greece and Israel.
Amid the turmoil of the 1976 student uprisings in South Africa, she left the country and joined a touring musical group. She then went on to take a role in the celebrated South African musical Ipi Tombi, before gracing stages the world over, appearing in productions of Porgy and Bess and Little Shop of Horrors.
In 1989, Chiume’s film debut in Warrior from Hell showcased her exceptional talent, marking the beginning of an illustrious career that would see her become one of the most revered figures in the industry. From that moment on, her acting dreams truly took flight.
Her big break in television came with the iconic role of Mamokete Khuse in the e.tv drama series Rhythm City. For more than a decade, Chiume brought Mamokete, a character that resonated deeply with viewers, to life. She embodied the role with such authenticity and warmth that she became a beloved mother figure to many South Africans. Chiume’s portrayal was not just acting — it was also a reflection of her own compassionate and resilient nature. Her work on Rhythm City earned her a permanent place in the hearts of millions.
Her passing leaves a void that will be felt across the country. Yet her legacy is one of strength, grace and unwavering dedication to her craft. Chiume was a woman of extraordinary talent and even greater heart
For actor and author John Kani it was Chiume’s remarkable talent and ability to reinvent herself as an actor that made her a “rare” gift to the industry. “She’s a very versatile actress. If you saw her in one soapie and then playing another role, you’d forget she was the same actress you saw in Gomora. This is a rare gift — the ability to reinvent oneself. She was a leading lady,” Kani said.
Kani recalls first meeting Chiume at the Market Theatre, where he was struck by her powerful presence both on and off screen. The veteran actor said Chiume had always been passionate about building a stronger film industry and the plight of young actors, often playing a motherly role on set.
After the news of her death, Ama Qamata, who played Chiume’s on-screen granddaughter in the series Gomora, took to social media to post a heartfelt tribute to her mentor. “How do you say goodbye when you’re not ready to? How do I even put into words the woman you were, the light you carried, and the love you selflessly poured into all of us? I had the pleasure of playing Ma’am Connie’s granddaughter on Gomora, and she took on the role beyond the screen, always checking in on us. [She was] the first to celebrate our achievements, correct us if we were wrong, and also occasionally bring [us] some baked goodies on set. I will miss you so much, Mama, and I want to thank you for everything you’ve done. I am so honoured to have experienced the magic of the legendary Connie Chiume.”
Chiume’s remarkable career saw her shine in a diverse array of films and television series, each showcasing her extraordinary talent and versatility. In the 2018 blockbuster Black Panther, she captivated audiences as Zawavari, a wise and powerful member of the Wakanda tribal council. Her role expanded in the 2022 sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, where she took on the prestigious mantle of Wakanda’s elder stateswoman, following in the footsteps of Zuri, originally portrayed by Forest Whitaker.
Kani also starred in the film and described the moment when Chiume took to the red carpet for the premiere in Los Angeles. “I remember being introduced when we arrived at the premiere. There was Connie standing there — majestic, dressed like an African queen — and she held herself with authority, looking stoic and incredible. Everyone knew that, though Angela Bassett played Queen Ramonda, the real queen that night was Connie Chiume,” Kani said.
Chiume’s range was further highlighted in Beyoncé’s Disney musical Black Is King, inspired by The Lion King, where she brought warmth and depth to the role of Sarabi, Simba’s mother. Her presence on screen continued to impress in 2023 in her role in Heart of the Hunter, released earlier this year, as well as her appearance in the television series Soon Comes Night in February.
Throughout her illustrious career, Chiume received numerous accolades. She was honoured with the 2000 NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Soul City, and in 2009 earned a South African Film and Television Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her portrayal of Stella Moloi in the beloved family drama Zone 14. These awards are a testament to her profound impact on the industry, as well as her legacy.
Chiume’s influence extended far beyond the screen. She was a mentor to young actors and always willing to share her knowledge and experience. Her advocacy for the arts was tireless, as she understood the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of representation. Perhaps her greatest achievement was the impact she had on those who watched, worked with and were inspired by her.
For Kani, there will be no more discussions about the development of the South African film and television industry or opportunities to tell uniquely African stories with Chiume. “What a loss to the industry, the constituency of creatives and, most importantly, her family. We spoke about major projects we were planning to do, but unfortunately she had to take the final curtain call and bow out ... I miss her calls. She would call and say, ‘Hi boet’wam, my boetie!’ — and I knew from that greeting it was her. She always made me feel special,” Kani said.
Her passing leaves a void that will be felt across the country. Yet her legacy is one of strength, grace and unwavering dedication to her craft. Chiume was a woman of extraordinary talent and even greater heart.
In one of her last interviews, podcaster Mac G asked Chiume how she wanted to be remembered. She said, “I’m always asked that question, and I don’t have an answer for it. I have affected people in different ways ... I want people to be at liberty to remember me the way they want to remember me. In whatever way I have affected you, remember me that way.”
Chiume’s laugh, playful spirit and passion for film and television have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her deep love for the arts will forever be cherished, and she leaves behind her a legacy of warmth, dedication and boundless talent that will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
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