The son of the late veteran actress Connie Chiume has grumbled that his mother was overworked in the acting industry at age 70.
The son, Tumi, said this in his speech at Mam’ Connie’s funeral service yesterday at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton in Ekurhuleni. The veteran actress was buried after the service, which was attended by celebrities, including the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.
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Son Reveals How Connie Chiume Worked 16 Hours Daily
In one of the family speeches, Tumi revealed that his mother, Connie Chiume, dedicated her life to fighting for a better acting industry. He said he got to see how the industry works from behind the cameras, and he does not have a good image.
Tumi eulogised:
“What I saw from the back is painful for me. I never envied the industry because, at the end of the day, you are not rewarded for what you are supposed to be rewarded for. My mother loved this industry so much.
“She was in pain because the industry was working her so hard. Is it fair to work a 70-year-old 16 hours a day?”
“So, you guys, as an industry, I’m directing this to you. Guys, we are not moving. Women in 1956 stood up and fought for themselves. [Artists are] waiting for people to make decisions for them. Production companies are getting together and making your working conditions without you because you are not standing up.”
Her Acting Career
Chiume became a household name through her roles in popular South African television series like “Inkom’ Edla Yodwa,” “Yizo Yizo,” “Zone 14,” and “Rhythm City.” Her exceptional performances earned her numerous awards, including the SAFTA for Best Actress in a Drama Series and Best Supporting Actress in a Drama.
Chiume’s career reached new heights with her role as the Mining Tribe Elder in the blockbuster movie “Black Panther.” This iconic performance brought her international recognition. She reprised her role in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and appeared in Beyoncé’s visual album “Black Is King.
From 2020 to 2023, she played the local gangster Sonto Molefe in the award-winning telenovela Gomora.