Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Connie Chiume |
| Date of Birth | June 5, 1952 (age 72 years) |
| Place of Birth | Welkom, South Africa |
| Date of Death | August 6, 2024 |
| Place of Death | Garden City Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Malawian (father), Zulu (mother) |
| Education | Degree in Teaching |
| Career Start | 1977 |
| Notable Works | Zone 14, Rhythm City, Black Panther, Gomora |
| Awards | Best Actress in a Drama Series (SAFTA), Best Supporting Actress (SAFTA) |
| Children | Four (two sons, two daughters) |
| Former Spouse | Married from 1985 to 2004 |
Early Life
Connie Chiume was born on June 5, 1952, in Welkom, South Africa. Her father, Wright Tadeyo Chiume, hailed from Usisya, Nkhata Bay, Malawi, and her mother, MaNdlovu, was from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Connie spent her early childhood in Welkom and later moved to the Eastern Cape, where she completed her matriculation. She graduated with a degree in teaching in 1976 and briefly pursued a teaching career before venturing into the entertainment industry.
Career
Chiume’s career in showbiz began in 1977 when she joined the musical show “Sola Sola,” which toured Israel and Greece. This marked the start of her journey in entertainment, a field she was always passionate about despite societal frowns on acting and singing as viable careers at the time.
Chiume initially envisioned herself as a singer and toured various countries with the globally acclaimed production “Ipi Ntombi.” Upon returning to South Africa, she landed roles in several notable productions, including “Porgy and Bess,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and the television series “Inkom’ Edla Yodwa” in 1989. Her film debut came with “Warriors from Hell” in 1990.
From 2007 to 2015, she gained widespread recognition for her role as Stella Moloi in the SABC1 drama series “Zone 14,” which earned her multiple awards, including Best Actress in a Drama Series at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA). She continued to build her impressive filmography with roles in “Rhythm City” as Mamokete Khuse and the blockbuster Marvel film “Black Panther” in 2018.
In 2020, Chiume starred as Mam’Sonto Molefe in the drama series “Gomora” and appeared in the film “Black Is King.” Her work earned her a Feather Award nomination in October 2020.
Personal Life
Connie Chiume was married from 1985 to 2004 and had four children, two sons and two daughters. She was also deeply involved in community projects and held significant positions such as the chairperson for the Centre of Africa, Social Capital Development, and deputy president of the Performing Arts Workers Equity (PAWE).
A motivational speaker passionate about youth and women’s development, Chiume also co-produced and wrote an all-woman show called “Bubbly Bosoms.” She ran an events company that coordinated events locally and internationally.
Death
Connie Chiume passed away on August 6, 2024, at the age of 72 at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg. Her cause of death was not disclosed. Her passing marked the end of a prolific career that spanned over four decades, leaving an indelible mark on the South African entertainment industry.
