Actress Connie Chiume’s family has revealed the heartbreaking last moments before her death in hospital last week.
The veteran actress was buried yesterday after her funeral service at at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton in Ekurhuleni. She passed away on August 6, 2024, at the age of 72.
Connie Chiume’s Last Moments Revealed
Her family has shared the details of the last moments before her death at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg. She succumbed to a short illness, according to a statement released by her family on her Instagram page. The family did not disclose the cause of her death.
The chairperson of the Connie Chiume Foundation, Theresa Moila, who is Mam’ Connie’s cousin, told The Daily Sun yesterday that the family was called to the hospital.
“The last moments that the family had are sad memories. We all know that immediately when the family is called to come to the hospital, things aren’t okay. Those are difficult moments as the person is going and saying she doesn’t want to go. Connie wanted to see her grandkids grow, so those were heartbreaking moments for the family.
“Her spirit lives on and will continue to illuminate in the hearts of all those who loved her. The family has sad memories of her. When I look at her kids, who are my nieces and nephews, it’s truly heart-breaking for them because they’ve lost their mum, and even the country has lost its icon.”
At the funeral were South African politicians, celebrities, friends and family. Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula were also present at the funeral. McKenzie gave a eulogy in Chiume’s native Chewa, as her father hailed from Malawi.
A Stellar Career
Chiume’s remarkable career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on both South African and African cinema. She began her acting journey with memorable roles in internationally renowned productions like Porgy and Bess, Ipi Ntombi, and Little Shop of Horrors.
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In 2018, she starred as Zawavari in Black Panther and its 2022 sequel. Chiume also played Mam’Sonto Molefe in the drama series Gomora and appeared in Beyoncé’s film Black Is King.