Loved ones, colleagues, friends and family members from faraway lands gathered today at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton to honour the life of Connie Chiume, fondly known as Mam’ Connie, who passed away on 12 August, after a short illness.
A KIND NEIGHBOUR
Award-winning poet Napo Masheane and actor Sello Maake-Ka Ncube welcomed mourners with their heartfelt opening remarks before a dance piece by Vuyani Dance Theatre which took mourners down memory lane to her days as a theatre.
Despite her international career, Rose Nozipho Mankazane, a neighbour and friend said, Mam Connie always remained humble. “Sis Connie was humble, down to earth, loving warm and very caring,” Rose said. “She treated all her neighbours the same way and was never classist or undermining. She never lived a complicated life. She never spoke about her acting career when we were together. She loved life and to celebrate life.”
A PROFOUND ACTRESS
Desiree Markgraff, who worked with Connie closely at Bomb Productions on the shows Yizo Yizo and Zone 14 remembered her as a passionate activist who did not need to be loud to get her point across. “She could take you to a place of deep emotion or memory in moments. She could move you from laughter, tears or anger, all in minutes.” Desiree said when she heard about her passing, she was struck by a feeling of deep loss. “This is not only a loss of a wonderful person or a great actress but something more profound- it is the loss of an institution, an era that Connie Chiume represents. This where being an actor was a calling and wasn’t just about fame and ratings, but to tell a story and to move people.” Desiree said, she lived her truth through her craft and never became a slave to fame. “Every scene was like watching a maestro. She gave dignity and a face to the struggles that women faced.”
A THESPIAN
A colleague and close friend from back in the 1970 Owen Sejake who acted alongside Mam Connie called her a dynamic woman and teacher who could dance, sing and act. An industry friend, Lucky Legodi, remembered her as a strict but kind and humble gifted actress. Lillian Dube shared a message of condolences to her family. Mahotella Queen honoured Mam Connie in song before Dr John Kani paid homage to the legendary actress and said he wished more was done for South African stars. “If this was Aretha Franklin’s funeral everyone would be here, BBC would be here, but it’s just Connie. But we appreciate everyone that came.” He said to her family, “Maybe we are unable to explain how great this lady was.”
Her colleagues on Gomora said, she carried her role with passion. “Ma Connie was the light in the dark. It doesn’t end here, she is with us forever, time and space. There was no Gomora without Mam Sonto. She was willing to do anything for her family. She carried the role with passion.”
