Tributes continue to pour in for veteran actress, Connie Chiume.
The multi-award-winning actress passed away at Garden City Hospital at the age of 72 yesterday.
Mme Connie or mam’Connie, as she was affectionately known, had a career spanning close to five decades.
The icon made an indelible mark in the creative industry, gracing the screens from the early 90s.
She will be remembered for her prominent roles on soapies such as Rhythm City where she played MaMokete and Zone 14 where she played Stella Moloi.
She also played mam’Sonto on Gomora, among others.
The internationally acclaimed actress also landed herself a role in Black is King, an American musical film directed by Beyonce.
Renowned actor and close friend to mam’Connie, Dr John Kani, described her as “such a graceful lady”.
“When she’s on set, even the American directors call her Mam Connie because she exudes that status. I’m a mother and I’m a woman.”
“When I watched Connie on Gomora and television, people always looked at her as an incredible villain, a strong woman, she had portrayed that role, that woman can be that strong and powerful in any given situation.”
Kani says when he heard about his colleague’s passing, there was a sense of emptiness in him.
“I thought we were immortal; I know our work and footsteps will remain immortal. Connie is now elevated to that level where she occupies the memory of the good things that pass through our lives.”
“She was an incredible woman, a humble and powerful actress and an incredible mom and friend.”
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, described Chiume as a beacon of strength, resilience and grace.
“Her performances brought joy, inspiration, and a sense of pride to countless South Africans. She was more than an actress.”
“MamβConnieβs contribution to the arts was not only to entertain. She inspired, educated and uplifted communities throughout our country. ”
The Minister says that her legacy and memory may continue to inspire future generations.
The ANC’s TK Nciza says through her career, mam’Connie shaped the course of the country’s democracy, authentically telling stories of hope and of a South Africa envisioned in the days of apartheid.
“Connie belongs to the class of courageous South African women who dedicated their lives to bettering the lives of others through various leadership initiatives and her volunteer work.”
“She has made stellar contributions to the development of the creative sector, working with both government and civil society for the benefit of all.”
Nciza says the icon will be remembered for her warmth, unifying spirit, ardent love for young people and zeal for a better society.
Fans and colleagues took to social media to honour the legend and her remarkable craft.
Thank you for being such an amazing iconic actress we enjoyed watching on our screens for all those years.
THANK YOU.ππΎππ#RIPConnieChiume ππ pic.twitter.com/X5H2rUWJ3w pic.twitter.com/sJ1NJ4fQrB
β Pedi-Boy-from-Limpopo(Gravity_de_boi_Rsa)πΏπ¦π·πΊ (@Tshepixo__21) August 6, 2024
Sad to learn about the passing of an icon & legend #ConnieChiume.
Brought back these words she said on the #FeliciaShow.
She said, “I didn’t come here for glamour or money. I believe in this thing called, ‘a calling.’ God has called me to be where I am.” Profound. RIP Diva!πͺπͺπͺ pic.twitter.com/P3LYyeYy9nβ Felicia Mabuza-Suttle (@Feliciamabuza) August 6, 2024
Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered. πποΈ#RIPConnieChiume pic.twitter.com/6GlE4QLkpV
β South African Government (@GovernmentZA) August 6, 2024
I still canβt believe you took your last sleep and checked out so soon. Your soul will be missed by many of us!
Till we meet again!#RIPConnieChiume β€οΈ pic.twitter.com/DkCmoDDo0j
β Sello Maake kaNcube -Archie Moroka βΊοΈ (@sellomkn) August 7, 2024
An award winning Icon. A benchmark for thespians. RIP#ripconniechiume #ConnieChiume pic.twitter.com/Q5zYxZDqp4
β David Tshabalala (@SlayingGoliath) August 7, 2024
A tree has fallen. What a loss to our nation and the world. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and fans of globally accomplished actress Connie Chiume. #RIPConnieChiume πππ pic.twitter.com/ftZ35HVdMJ
β Prof Thuli Madonsela #KindnessBuilds (@ThuliMadonsela3) August 6, 2024
Connie o dese! π
Tjo Mama! π #RIPConnieChiume pic.twitter.com/Da7FWBNklp
β Leera Mthethwa (@LeeraMthethwa) August 6, 2024
Go well Mama, it hurts but you played your role. Immensely proud of your accomplishments #RIPConnieChiume pic.twitter.com/nHWrIaPIE1
β Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) August 6, 2024
You have left an indelible mark in our hearts, we will forever love you and thank you for the incredible contribution you made in the industry. Lala Ngoxolo Mama ποΈπ―οΈπ€ #RIPConnieChiume β€οΈ pic.twitter.com/6fY2gJRu6G
β Zenande Mfenyana (@Zenande_Mcfen) August 6, 2024
Rest in Peace Mme Connie, she will be missedππ #RIPConnieChiume pic.twitter.com/cpyFmrON8Q
β Sphola (@S_Phola__) August 6, 2024
Written by: Lindiwe Mpanza
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