Unbelievable: Look At What Caused the Death of SA Actress Connie Chiume That Surprised Everyone**
**Legendary South African Actress Connie Chiume Passes Away**
The cause of death of renowned South African actress Connie Chiume has been identified as complications from diseases associated with old age, including diabetes and hypertension. The award-winning star, known for her roles in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Zone 14,’ passed away at 72, leaving behind a widely-celebrated legacy.
**SHALOM ESENE and TŠELISO MONAHENG**
**AUGUST 06, 2024**
Connie Chiume, the veteran South African actress and filmmaker, has died at the age of 72. She passed away today at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg. Her family announced her death through a statement on her verified Instagram account, asking for privacy and noting that more details would be shared later. “The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume,” the statement read.
Chiume was renowned for her roles in Marvel’s 2018 film Black Panther, where she starred alongside the late Chadwick Boseman and Letitia Wright, Beyoncé’s executive-produced musical film Black is King, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Blessers. She also made significant contributions to television with notable appearances in Zone 14, Rhythm City, and Gomora.
Born in Welkom, South Africa, to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother, Chiume was the fifth of nine children. She trained as a nurse after high school and ended up teaching students. Her initial forays into acting were in the form of a musical called Sola Sola, which she joined in 1977.
She told Sowetan S Mag that she didn’t even understand what an audition was. “I arrived there and found all these upbeat people dressed in bell-bottoms and T-shirts, and there I was in my dress and heels because I was a teacher. But I knew one thing: I could sing and I could dance.”
Chiume shot to the limelight in the late 1980s with the series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa. In 2000, she won the NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Soul City. She received a SAFTA for her role in Zone 14 as Best Supporting Actress in a Drama in 2009.
Her recent accomplishments include her role as Mam’Sonto Molefe in Gomora and a Feather Award nomination in 2020. She was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 SAFTAs.
Chiume’s on-screen talent set her apart from the pack, ensuring she never stayed away from our screens for long. “I believe that when we’re born, we’re all wired differently. If the power that is the universe has put something in you, there’s no way you can run away from it,” she told the SABC.
Chiume championed young actors and was always excited at the prospect of learning something new from them. “We have a new breed of practitioners coming in, people who went to school and learned about acting, things that we didn’t learn about. It’s so exciting to work with the younger generation,” she said.
She also underscored the importance of discipline and emphasized that respect for others has sustained her
career over the years.
Following the announcement of her passing, tributes from industry peers have been pouring in. Under the family’s announcement of her passing on Instagram, DJ Zinhle wrote, “RIP MAMA.”
“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,” read the statement from the South African government’s account.
Television actress Leera Mthethwa wrote on X, “This is unbelievable, like death is brand new. You were so vibrant, full of life and ready to fight the ills of this industry for and with us. Re latlhegetswe e le ruri! You’ll never be forgotten Mababy. Rest with the angels, saints, and stars. We love you.”
Producer Nkanyezi also expressed his condolences on X, stating, “Thank you for the greatest stories.”
Veteran South African presenter Felicia Mabuza-Suttle said she was, “Sad to learn about the passing of an icon and 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!”
Chiume told the MacG Podcast that she would like for people to remember her the way they choose to. “I have impacted each and every person in a different way. Whatever way I have impacted you, remember me that way.”
She leaves behind four children and will be remembered for her outstanding acting and memorable roles.