By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The memorial service and funeral details for the internationally acclaimed South African actress, Connie Chiume have been confirmed.
Chiume’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday, 13 August at 12pm, followed by the funeral service on Thursday, 15 August at 8 am.
According to the family’s statement, both services will take place at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton.
The Gomora and Black Panther actor died at the age of 72 on 6 August at Garden City Hospital.
Her son Nongelo Chiume said, that she was admitted for a “medical procedure” before her death.
Chiume began her acting journey with memorable roles in internationally renowned productions like Porgy and Bess, Ipi Ntombi, and Little Shop of Horrors.
In the late 80s and early 90s, she took on the role of Thembi in the 1989 series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa and starred in the 1990 film Warriors from Hell.
Her remarkable performance earned her the Best Actress award in a Drama Series at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) in 2000.
Chiume gained widespread recognition again from 2007 to 2015 for her role as Stella Moloi in the SABC1 drama series Zone 14, securing another SAFTA.
She also appeared in shows like Zone 14, Soul City, Mazinyo Dot Q and Gomora.
She was also highly celebrated for her appearances in Beyoncé’s Disney musical film based on The Lion King, in which she played Simba’s mother, Sarabi.
Her most recent role was in Heart of the Hunter, released earlier this year, and she also appeared in TV series Soon Comes Night in February.
Chiume was given several awards, including an NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Soul City.
She was born in Welkom, in Free State province, to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother. She trained as a nurse but ended up as a teacher.
Many celebrities paid tribute to Chiume, including Hollywood actor Lupita Nyong’o, who starred with her in Black Panther.
“We have lost a library! May Connie Chiume rest in peace and power,” she wrote.
“Her outstanding work will always be remembered,” the South African government posted on X.
Chiume was remembered as an activist who fought to transform the entertainment industry. She leaves behind four children – two sons and two daughters.