The South African actress Connie Chiume died today in hospital. She was 72.
In a statement, her family says “The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed and award-winning actress Connie Chiume.”
“Connie Chiume (72) passed on at the Garden City Hospital today, 6 August 2024. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.”
Connie Chiume’s cause of death on Tuesday isn’t immediately known.
Connie Chiume who was born Temweka Gabisile Chiume on 5 June 1952 in Welkom where she also grew up was known for her roles in films like 2018’s Black Panther, Black is King and Blessers.
After spending time overseas after completing matric, she returned to South Africa and was cast as Thembi in the 1989 series Inlom’ Edla Yodwa and also had a role in the 1990 film Warriors from Hell.
In television she appeared in series from the SABC1’s Soul City and Zone 14 as XXXXX to e.tv’s Rhythm City where she portrayed the beloved Mamokete “Kete” Khuse from 2007 until 2016.
Connie Chiume’s other TV roles ranged from Gomora on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161), to Netflix South Africa’s Queen Sono, SABC1’s Mazinyo Dot Q, SABC2’s drama series 90 Plein Street and Thula’s Vine.
Connie Chiume’s extensive film career include movie credits on 1994’s The Air Up There, Chikin Biznis …The Whole Story!, 2000’s I Dreamed of Africa, In My Country, Fanie Fourie’s Lobola, the 2015 short film Lerato, 2019’s Losing Lerato, the 2020 short film What Did You Dream?, Seriously Single and 2022’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
She also starred and directed in the 1998 made-for-TV movie Tierarztin Christine III: Abenteuer in SudAfrika.
In 2000, Connie Chiume won the award for Best Actress in a drama series at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) – one of three Golden Horns she won over her career.
On stage she appeared in Porgy and Bess, Ipi Tombi, Little Shop of Horrors, You Strike the Woman and You Strike the Rock.
Connie Chiume was married from 1985 to 2004 and had two sons and two daughters.
