Veteran South African Actress, Connie Chiume, renowned for her roles in ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Zone 14,’ passed away at 72, on August 6, 2024, at Garden City Hospital. Born on June 5, 1952, in Welkom, South Africa, Connie Chiume was the fifth of nine children. She lived a remarkable life, becoming a celebrated figure in the creative space and renowned for her impactful roles across various mediums.
The Chiume family confirmed her death and requested privacy during their time of grief. In a statement, they said, “The Chiume Family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume. Connie Chiume, 72, passed on at Garden City Hospital today on August 6, 2024. The family will communicate further details and ask for privacy during this difficult period.”
Connie Chiume gained fame through her numerous on-screen characters in popular TV shows such as ‘Mohlolohadi’, ‘Yizo Yizo’, ‘Zone 14’, ‘Rhythm City’, ‘Housekeepers’, ‘Grassroots’, and the Marvel movie ‘Black Panther’ and its sequel ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. She also appeared in Beyoncé’s 2020 musical film ‘Black is King’. More recently, she captivated audiences in the hit series ‘Gomora’.
For her contributions to the arts, Connie Chiume received several prestigious awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6th Royal Soapie Awards, the 16th SA Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), and the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards in the U.S. These accolades highlight her significant impact on the South African daily TV drama entertainment industry.
Following the announcement of her passing on Instagram, tributes from industry peers have been pouring. Connie Chiume’s incredible career and lasting impact on the entertainment industry will always be remembered and cherished.