A sombre and celebratory mood filled the packed auditorium at Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton on August 15, where TV personalities and politicians gathered to bid farewell to veteran actress Connie Chiume (72).
Guests included Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula, former Arts and Culture minister Zizi Kodwa, speaker of council Nthabiseng Tshivhenga and MMC for Community Safety Sizakele Masuku.
Chiume was afforded a special provincial funeral for her contributions and profound impact she had on the entertainment industry.
Mbalula thanked the Chiume family for sharing her with the world.
“I’m grateful for our government to have honoured her. To honour Connie is not a favour, it’s what she deserves,” said Mbalula.
Katlego Danke, who starred in Gomora as Chiume’s daughter, said her connection with Chiume on set was undeniable.
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“My journey with her was God-sent,” is how she described their relationship.
“Every day on set, although it had its challenges and struggles, brought valuable lessons and joy.
“I had almost forgotten about doing my job and that joy was linked to you mama. Regardless of your advanced age and responsibilities at home, as passionate you were about your craft you were passionate about your role as mom, friend and neighbour.
“You found it in your heart to include us too with your mom embrace. Everyone on set felt loved, seen and respected despite their ages or experience,” said Danke.
During the service, fellow thespians who worked Chiume surrounded her casket while some of them broke down as they paid their final respects.
She was laid to rest at Lala Ngoxolo Cemetery in Crystal Park, Benoni.
The internationally acclaimed actress has featured in notable films and television shows such as Black Panther, Yizo Yizo 2, Gomora, Rhythm City, Black is King, Blessers and Zone 14.
Chiume previously lived in Farrarmere with her family before moving to Kempton Park.
At her memorial service, also held at Oasis of Life Family Church, on August 13, Rose Mankazana, who was Chiume’s neighbour when she lived in Farramere Gardens took to the podium with seven other women from the same area.
Mankazana said she got to know Chiume in 2001 while she was still living with her mom, MaNdlovu.
“Connie was not a celebrity to us but a big sister. She was an aunt and a grandmother to our children who grew up in front of her. She was humble, loving, warm and very caring. She treated us equally as neighbours and she never undermined us.
“She would go with us to bereavements and when she was not around she would send condolences to the affected family. She never spoke about her career while sitting with us,” said Mankazana.
Melodic tunes from Chiume’s library compilation were played at the venue during the memorial which left mourners singing and dancing in celebration of her life.
