Nkhensani Chauke
THE Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has said the passing away of award-winning veteran actress Connie Chiume is a profound loss to the nation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, McKenzie extended condolences to her family, friends and fans saying Chiume’s matchless talents and dedication to her craft has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
“Her performance brought joy, inspiration and a sense of pride to countless South Africans. She was more than an actress; she was a beacon of strength, resilience and grace,” McKenzie said.
Economic Freedom Fighters extended their condolences to her fellow townspeople in Welkom and the entertainment industry.
EFF National spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys said Chiume was a true ambassador for the country who played on stages around the world.
Mathys said Chiume assisted many artists into the industry and groomed many more and the industry remained forever grateful for presence.
The party said it was inspired by her contributions and would continue to advocate for the honour of esteemed artists in her calibre by regulating the industry she spent her life dedicated to.
“Mme Connie was vocal about the injustices and controversies of the industry, and we at the EFF, as resolved in our 2019 National People’s Assembly and believe that the regulation of the industry will resolve many of the problems expressed by ‘Me Connie Chiume and arts in general,” Mathys said
The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng said it was deeply saddened by the loss and extended its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time, the party said in a statement.
Provincial Secretary Thembinkosi Nciza said the party mourned the loss of her extraordinary talent and as someone who also played a significant role in its election machinery.
Nciza said through her career, Chiume shaped the course of the country’s democracy, authentically telling stories of hope and of a South Africa envisioned in the days of apartheid through her talent both locally and on the global stage.
He said Chiume belonged to a class of courageous South African women who dedicated their lives to better the lives of others through various leadership initiatives and volunteer work.
“We dip our revolutionary banner in honour of this humble and soft spoken patriot and selfless advocate and mentor in the creative industry and an instrument of social change who served the people of South Africa in various capacities, including through the Connie Chiume Foundation, until her demise,” he said.
The legendary actress was born in Welkom, South Africa, and moved to the Eastern Cape to complete her matric. She obtained a teaching degree in 1976.
She began her illustrious acting career overseas with roles in Porgy and Bess, Ipi Ntombi and Little Shop of Horrors and upon her return to South Africa enchanted audiences with her performance as Thembi in the 1989 series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.
Her talent was recognised with a Best Actress Award at the South African Film and Television awards in 2000.
More recently she played a role as the mining Tribal Elder in the global hit Black Panther in 2018.
Chiume passed away at the age of 72 at Garden City Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.
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