Legendary South African Actress Connie Chiume Passes Away at 72, See the Causes of the Death here

Renowned South African actress Connie Chiume has passed away at the age of 72. Her death was attributed to complications from diseases associated with old age, including diabetes and hypertension. The acclaimed actress, known for her roles in Black Panther and Zone 14, died today at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg. Her family announced her passing via a statement on her verified Instagram account, requesting privacy and indicating 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’s career was marked by remarkable performances in Marvel’s 2018 film Black Panther, where she starred alongside Chadwick Boseman and Letitia Wright. She also appeared in Beyoncé’s musical film Black is King, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and Blessers. On television, she was celebrated for her roles in Zone 14, Rhythm City, and Gomora.
Born in Welkom, South Africa, Chiume was the fifth of nine children born to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother. She initially trained as a nurse before pursuing a teaching career. Her journey into acting began in 1977 with a musical called Sola Sola, despite her initial unfamiliarity with auditions. She told Sowetan S Mag about her first audition experience, saying, “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 rose to fame 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 also received a SAFTA award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama in 2009 for her role in Zone 14.
Her recent achievements include her role as Mam’Sonto Molefe in Gomora and a Feather Award nomination in 2020. She was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2022 SAFTAs. Chiume’s exceptional talent and dedication ensured she remained a beloved figure on screen. “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 was a mentor to young actors and enjoyed learning 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 emphasized the importance of discipline and respect in sustaining her career.
Following her passing, tributes have poured in from her industry peers. Under the family’s announcement on Instagram, DJ Zinhle commented, “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 a 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 expressed his condolences on X, stating, “Thank you for the greatest stories.”
Veteran South African presenter Felicia Mabuza-Suttle remembered Chiume, saying, “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!”
In a statement to the MacG Podcast, Chiume expressed how she wanted to be remembered, saying, “I have impacted each and every person in a different way. Whatever way I have impacted you, remember me that way.”