Colleagues, friends, and family gathered today to say their final goodbyes to award-winning actress Connie “Mam’ Connie” Chiume, who was laid to rest following a heartfelt service at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni. Mam’ Connie passed away last Monday after a short illness, leaving behind her children Itumeleng Chiume, Nongelo Chiume, Nothando Mabuza, Thabisile Mabuza, and her beloved grandchildren.
The funeral was attended by prominent figures, including Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton Mackenzie, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, and several other politicians and entertainment personalities. Their presence reflected the profound impact Mam’ Connie had on the South African film industry, where she made significant contributions for over three decades.
Reported by ZiMoja, Sindisiwe Chiume, Mam’ Connie’s niece, paid tribute to her aunt’s character, highlighting the values that guided her life and career. “Firstly, Mama understood that umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu (no man is an island). She understood that it was important to treat a person the way she would have loved to be treated. She understood that you cannot get before giving, and that opened a magnetic portal for her receiving,” Sindisiwe shared. “Our mother understood the concept that as much as the government is responsible for its citizens, ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. She put South Africa on the map through *Black Panther*. Thirdly, she understood that self-love meant self-control, investing in one’s development and being aware of one’s voice and how it impacts other people.”
Katlego Danke, who played Mam’ Connie’s on-screen daughter in the hit series *Gomora*, shared moving memories of working with the veteran actress. “You brought your heart and soul to it every day. Going home every day and making sure you come back the next day fully prepared. Regardless of your advanced age and responsibilities at home,” Katlego said. “Regardless of being passionate about your role at work, you were also as passionate about being a mom, friend, and neighbour. All that was required from you as a mom—you were there for it. Not a celebrity, not the *Black Panther* actress, but a mom. You made every single one of us on set feel loved.” She added, “We will miss your natural sense of regal confidence, your scrutinizing eye for detail, your encouragement when morale is low, your no-nonsense approach, your artistry, and your ungovernable, naughty sense of humour that often came as a surprise.”
The Norkhem Park community, where Mam’ Connie lived, also paid tribute to her leadership and community spirit. “Connie was a true leader. She put together a team of Swazi South Africans and Malawians to demonstrate that people could work together regardless of origin, parentage, or heritage. She was proudly Souwalian (South African and Malawian), a term she coined due to her South African and Malawian heritage from her parents, and she promoted this ideal.”
As South Africa mourns the loss of a legendary figure, Mam’ Connie Chiume’s legacy as an actress, leader, and loving mother will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Industry colleagues bid farewell to acclaimed international actress #ConnieChiume. KH#KayaNews pic.twitter.com/dLK6LSXGqp
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) August 15, 2024Funeral service of legendary actress #ConnieChiume is underway at the Oasis Family church in Daveyton.
Industry colleagues gather to bid farewell to acclaimed international actress.
Rest easy Mam #ConnieChiume pic.twitter.com/r4KusRuMlp
— UNRULY UNIVERSAL (@uuniversalmusic) August 15, 2024Great speech. farewell Mama #conniechiume pic.twitter.com/XpD68N5DcS
— #Stanleykhoza (@stankworldwide) August 15, 2024The funeral service of legendary actress #ConnieChiume is underway at the Oasis Family church in Daveyton. KH #RestinpeaceMama #ConnieChiume @GaytonMcK thank you minister for being present here today and for being with the family since, 🔥🙏🏿🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/VIJ1wNwWEo
— #Stanleykhoza (@stankworldwide) August 15, 2024
