By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Black Panther star and veteran actress Connie Chiume has passed away in hospital today at the age of 72.
The award-winning actress’s family released a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate futher details.”
Chiume died at the Garden City Hospital, in Johannesburg, on Wednesday.
She was part of the Black Panther movie, Gomora, Black is King and Queen Sono.
In the early 80s, Connie started acting by playing Thembi in the series Inkom’Edla Yodwa. She later won a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) in 2000 under the category of Best Actress in a Drama Series.
It was a moment on local television that defined who she was today. She played Stella Moloi in SABC 1’s Zone 14, earning her third SAFTA. She also appeared in the Marvel Universe film Black Panther in 2018, alongside the late actor Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael B. Jordan, among others.
Her acting career spanned over 45 years, during which she received numerous accolades for her contributions to the arts.
Chiume received several lifetime achievement awards, including honors at the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards (HAPA), the 16th South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas), the Hennessy VSOP Privilège Lifetime Achievement Award from the GQ Men of the Year awards, and the Royalty Soapie Awards.
She leaves behind four adult children.
News of her passing has prompted a wide array of tributes from colleagues in the acting industry, fans of her work, and supporters.