Connie Chiume. (Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images via Getty Images) Connie Chiume's memorial service was held on Tuesday at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton . Chiume died at the age of 72 last Tuesday after being admitted to hospital for a medical procedure.
The veteran actor's colleagues sang the star's praises for her humanity, kindness and spirit. Veteran actor Connie Chiume's family, friends, and colleagues gathered at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton for her memorial service. Chiume died at the Netcare Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg last Tuesday.
The service, which people from all walks of life attended, was filled with speakers who somewhat echoed each other's words when they described the actor's work ethic, with many saying she never embraced the celebrity status and never, for once in her 40-year-long career, let fame get to her head. Seasoned producer Desiree Markgraaff said she first saw the 'magic of Connie Chiume' in Daveyton while on screen for the teen youth drama Yizo Yizo. She shared different moments in the show where the veteran actor's performances moved her; she said she saw her power and performance abilities.
"She could take you to a place of deep emotion and memory in moments; she could move you from laughter to tears to anger, all within minutes. When I heard about MaConnie's passing, I was struck by a feeling of sorrow. It was not only the pain of losing a wonderful person and a great actor but much more than the loss of an institution; it was the loss of an era that somehow no one represents.
OBITUARY | Remembering Connie Chiume: A four-decade journey from Welkom to Hollywood's silver screen She said Chiume came from an era where acting was pure talent; she was a purist. "It wasn't just about the ratings but about a deep need as an actor to tell a story, to move people to reflect the human condition and all its nuances. This need is so strong.
It's as strong as the need to breathe to eat, and Connie had that and often spoke about that. She believed in this fiercely." Seasoned producer and shareholder of Quizzical Pictures Harriet Gavshon, who worked with the veteran actor on e.
tv's canned soapie Rhythm City , sang Chiume's praises. Chiume starred as Mamokete 'Kete' Khuse in e.tv's defunct Rhythm City.
"We worked together from 2007 to 2016," said Gavshon, with the show's cast standing beside her. "She was the person who kept us in mind. She was often sweet, kind and humble, always calling everyone 'my baby'.
But could easily be stern and strict. She hated unprofessionalism and rudeness, had very strong boundaries, and had such a strong notion of what was right. Gavshon said after parting ways with Chiume, she received a call from her, saying little did she know it was for an international production where the actor played Mining Tribe Elder Zawavari in Black Panther.
"One day, she phoned to ask me to write a reference for the US Visa. She wouldn't tell me what it was for..
. imagine my surprise when she appeared in the Black Panther movie. READ | 'Dreams do come true': A walk down memory lane as Connie Chiume reflects on 45 years in entertainment "She was so loved and will never be forgotten.
My deepest condolences to her family, whom she loved deeply and was so proud of." Chiume also appeared on the screens as the infamous Alexandra gangster Sonto Molefe in Gomora, which aired from March 2020 to October 2023. Thabang Moleya and Lulu Hela, who worked with Chiume on Gomora , said the 72-year-old was the light in the dark.
"She carried that role with passion, patience, kindness and love," said Moleya. Moleya said that while Chiume was abroad shooting at a film studio, she would video call him to show him that it was also possible for him. "Mama had plans.
I know she had plans. We lost the library; she has faced many adversities and conquered many. The one thing that she taught us is to be kind to yourself, but mostly kindness to other people.
" Hela said it was strange to speak about Chiume in the past tense. "When you work at a production, usually the most advanced years on the show determine the temperature of the show. We were blessed that the show was a success, and it was because she prayed for us.
She prayed for the production. She prayed for the broadcasters. She prayed for each and every one of us.
She was a global superstar. "She was unapologetic about who she was, her faith in God, her love for people, her love for her family, her love for the discipline." Hela thanked the Chiume family for lending her to the theatre, film and TV world.
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