Veteran actress honoured
Connie Chiume celebrates her 40 years in the entertainment industry.
Ekurhuleni’s award winning actress Connie Chiume was honoured at a gala dinner, held at the Germiston Banquet Hall, last Friday.
The event was hosted by the ANC Ekurhuleni chief whip Clr Jongizizwe Dlabathi.
Friends, family and associates gathered to celebrate Connie’s 40 years in the entertainment industry.
Among other accolades, Connie won the Best Supporting Actress in a Drama at the South African Film and Television Awards in 2009.
The award was for her role as Stella Moloi in ‘Zone 14’.
She has also featured in various TV series’, including Yizo Yizo, Soul City, Home Affairs and 90 Plein Street.
Dlabathi was among those who praised Connie’s talent over the years.
“We have to celebrate our heroes and heroines, especially while they are still alive,” said Dlabathi.
“We tend to celebrate legends only when they have passed and that is not right.
“You are one of the icons that deserve to be celebrated.”
South African actress Manaka Ranaka also took to the podium.
“I met Connie a couple of years ago, in Cape Town, and I was scared because she looked very strict,” said Ranaka.
“Once I got to know her more, I softened up as I discovered that she has nothing but love – she may look strict but she is a woman full of love.
“I appreciate this opportunity because it is very rare that we get to see our living legends being honoured while they are still alive.
“I thank you for all you have taught us and for inspiring us to continually work on perfecting our craft.”
Scriptwriter Percy Vilakazi also agreed with Ranaka that Connie is full of love.
Vilakazi and Connie met on the drama series Rhythm City.
“She was one of the people who welcomed me while I was working on the series,” said Vilakazi.
“One of the things I miss most about my time on the series is the warmth that we always felt and it was largely because of Connie.
“She is very supportive and a mother to all.
“Her work, as an actress, is absolutely amazing.”
The talented veteran actress took time to thank those present.
“I stand to be corrected but, to the best of my knowledge, I don’t remember anything like this being done for anyone in the industry,” said Connie.
“Thank you to Dlabathi, Clr Dorah Mlambo, everybody who organised this special event and the guests.
“I hope this celebration gives birth to a new partnership between the metro and I to develop, promote and market the talent that is in Ekurhuleni.
“Thank you to everyone who is supporting me in my career; I appreciate it.”
Connie was given an award by Dlabathi and the MMC for community services, Clr Dorah Mlambo.
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