Late legendary actress Connie Chiume’s son Tumi has detailed the poor working conditions his mother was forced to work in before her shock death last week.

The veteran actress died last week following a “medical procedure” at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg.

 

 

 

Chiume’s funeral service took place on Thursday, 15 August, at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton.

She was known for roles in Rhythm City, Gomora, Black Panther, Black Is King, and Blessers.

Speaking during the service, Tumi, one of Connie Chiume’s four children, stated he felt compelled to tell guests gathered about her struggle as a veteran star.

Tumi – who served as a chauffeur for his famous mother – asked the crowd: “Is it fair to work a 70-year-old 16 hours a day?

“She was fighting for the industry. I saw it from [behind the scenes]; it was painful for me.

“She was not rewarded for what she was supposed to be. She was in pain because the industry was working her so hard.

Connie Chiume

He continued: “This is women’s month… I’m begging you on behalf of Mama, can you please stand up [and fight for your rights]?”

Connie Chiume’s daughter Thando, picked up on the sentiment, vowing to continue to fight on behalf of her late mother. She said: “I am willing to go the extra mile to achieve the goals my mom would have wanted to accomplish.”

During her career, which spanned several decades, Connie Chiume spoke a host of problems that faced actors, including poor salaries, exploitation and no longevity.

She told Power FM: “We’ve been in the industry for so long. Most of the people we started with dwindled. We don’t see them anymore.

Chiume added that actors did not have a union to represent them

She added: “We don’t speak in one voice, and there is no transparency.”