By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Black Panther star and veteran actress Connie Chiume was laid to rest with dignity and deep respect as family, friends, and colleagues gathered to honor her remarkable legacy.
Chiume died at the Netcare Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg last Tuesday.
She was remembered on Tuesday by family, friends, and colleagues gathered at the Oasis of Life Family Church for her memorial service.
The service, which people from all walks of life attended, was filled with speakers who somewhat echoed each other’s words when they described the actor’s work ethic, with many saying she never embraced the celebrity status and never, for once in her 40-year-long career, let fame get to her head.
Seasoned producer Desiree Markgraaff said she first saw the ‘magic of Connie Chiume’ in Daveyton while on screen for the teen youth drama Zone 14.
She shared different moments in the show where the veteran actor’s performances moved her; she said she saw her power and performance abilities.
“She could take you to a place of deep emotion and memory in moments; she could move you from laughter to tears to anger, all within minutes. When I heard about MaConnie’s passing, I was struck by a feeling of sorrow. It was not only the pain of losing a wonderful person and a great actor but much more than the loss of an institution; it was the loss of an era that somehow no one represents.
She said Chiume came from an era where acting was pure talent; she was a purist.
Chiume also appeared on the screens as the infamous Alexandra gangster Sonto Molefe in Gomora, which aired from March 2020 to October 2023.
Thabang Moleya and Lulu Hela, who worked with Chiume on Gomora, said the 72-year-old was the light in the dark.
“She carried that role with passion, patience, kindness and love,” said Moleya.
Moleya said that while Chiume was abroad shooting at a film studio, she would video call him to show him that it was also possible for him.
The actress was taken to her final place of rest at Lala Ngoxolo Cemetery in Crystal Park. She leaves behind her children Tumi, Thando, Thabisile, and Nongelo, including her grandchildren.
Rami Chuene a close friend and fellow actress, led the service as the programme director. Her poised and heartfelt guidance through the proceedings set the tone for a moving tribute to a beloved icon.
In a gesture of deep respect, the SAPS draped Chiume’s coffin with the South African flag, symbolizing her status as a national treasure.
Thando Chiume said she will miss her mum’s laughter. She said she was her biggest supporter and always cared about them.
“I haven’t rested well since you left us, mana. I was not okay as you always spoke to me now and then,” she said.
Thando said she would miss her laughter when she sat in her room.
Tumi Chiume said his mum was a great soul and she also asked him to accompany her to set. He said she wasn’t happy with how the industry treated her, making her do many shoots in her 70s.
“Where are the industry people? We need to talk about these things, guys,” he said.
Actress Katlego Danke said she’s happy she worked with her a lot. She said she was straightforward and always wanted things to be done the right way.
“She was always on time and loved her work so much. She enjoyed her space and accommodated everyone in the entertainment industry,” she said.
The actress said she received her flowers while she was still alive.
Actress Lillian Dube said Mam’ Connie was so loving and very kind. She said she was just one of those amazing actors she met on set.
“We have lost a beautiful soul as the industry, and we would like to say to all the actors, don’t despair. We had her and she taught us a lot as actors,” she said.
The Arts, Sports and Culture Gayton McKenzie delivered the eulogy, capturing the essence of Chiume’s contributions to South African culture.
“Connie was not just an actress,” McKenzie remarked. “She was a symbol of resilience, grace, and the enduring power of storytelling.”
African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General also shared his reflections, stating, “She started a great thing in the industry, motivating a lot of young people. Sis Connie wrote a book, and today we are witnessing that book. She was a very lovely and bubbly person, determined in everything she pursued. We grew up watching her on TV.”
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. She leaves behind four children – two sons and two daughters.