Connie Chiume, a celebrated South African actress known for her role in Marvel’s “Black Panther,” has passed away at the age of 72, her family announced.
Chiume, who was a multi-award-winning performer, appeared in numerous South African TV shows such as “Rhythm City,” “Zone 14,” and most recently “Gomora.”
Originally trained as a teacher, Chiume became a household name on South African television. She died on Tuesday afternoon at a Johannesburg hospital, according to a brief family statement, which requested privacy during this difficult time and promised to provide further details later.
Her son, Nongelo Chiume, revealed to Newzroom Afrika that she had been admitted for a medical procedure before her passing. Chiume’s presence on South African TV spanned decades, with the national broadcaster SABC News paying tribute by calling her a “beacon of hope.”
Chiume’s acting career took off in 1989 with her role in the popular TV series “Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.” In the 2018 film “Black Panther,” she played Zawavari, a member of the Wakandan Tribal Council, and in the 2022 sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” she replaced Forest Whitaker’s character, Zuri, as Wakanda’s Elder Statesman.
She was also renowned for her role as Sarabi, Simba’s mother, in Beyoncé’s Disney musical film based on “The Lion King.” Her latest film, “Heart of the Hunter,” was released earlier this year, and she appeared in the TV series “Soon Comes Night” in February.
Chiume received numerous accolades throughout her career, including an NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “Soul City” in 2000, and a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role in “Zone 14” in 2009.
Born in Welkom, Free State province, to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother, Chiume initially trained as a nurse before becoming a teacher. In a 2022 interview on the MacG Podcast, she expressed her wish for people to remember her in their own unique ways, based on how she had impacted their lives.
Fans have flooded social media with tributes, praising her versatility and contributions to South African television. The South African government posted on X, highlighting that “Her outstanding work will always be remembered.”
Chiume is survived by her four children – two sons and two daughters.
BBC