Internationally acclaimed South African actress Connie Chiume has passed away at the age of 72. Renowned for her roles in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” Chiume died on Tuesday at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Her family announced her death on Instagram, revealing that she succumbed to her illness while hospitalized. In their statement, the Chiume family expressed their deep sorrow, acknowledging her international acclaim and award-winning career.
They requested privacy during this challenging time and mentioned that further information would be provided later. Her son, Nongelo Chiume, informed TV broadcaster Newsroom Afrika that she had been hospitalized for a “medical procedure” prior to her passing.
Connie Chiume had a significant presence on South African television for many years, featuring in productions such as “Rhythm City.” SABC News paid tribute to her, describing her as a “beacon of hope.”
Born on June 5, 1952, in Welkom, South Africa, Chiume was the fifth of nine children. She initially trained as a nurse before beginning her performance career in 1977, joining the cast of the musical “Sola Sola” in Greece.
She gained popularity in South Africa through her role as Thembi in the 1989 series “Inkom’ Edla Yodwa” and as Mamokete Khuse in the soap opera “Rhythm City.”
In 2018, Chiume was cast as Zawavari, a Mining Tribe Elder, in the Oscar-winning film “Black Panther,” a role she reprised in the 2022 sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” She also portrayed Simba’s mother Sarabi in Beyoncé’s musical film “Black Is King.”
In recognition of her extensive career, she was honored with the South African Film and TV Awards’ lifetime achievement award in 2022. Chiume is survived by her four children: two sons and two daughters.
