Johannesburg,South Africa

The South African and international entertainment industry has been left devastated by news of passing of the legendary actress Connie Tamweka Gabisile Chiume.

Her family has confirmed that she passed away on Tuesday at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg,she died at age of 72.

At the moment,nobody knows when she will be buried because the family on its statement requested privacy during this difficult time.

"The Chiume Family regrets to inform you of the passing of the international acclaimed award winning actress Connie Chiume.

Connie Chiume(72),passed on at Garden City Hospital today on the 6th August 2024.The family asks for privacy during this difficult period.The family will communicate further details,"said Connie Chiume's family statement.

Connie will be remembered for her iconic roles in various television productions both local and international,she starred in groundbreaking film Black Panther,Rhythm City,Gomora and many others.

She was born 5 June 1952 at Welkom,Orange Free State(now known as Free State),she had four children and she started her career in the entertainment industry in 1977.

Before joining acting Connie worked as a teacher and she graduated with a degree in teaching in 1976.

In 2018,she played a role of Mining Tribe Elder in Black Panther and in 2022 she was also featured in Black Panther:Wakanda Forever as Zawavari.

Throughout her career journey,she was honoured with numerous awards for her sterling talent including Best Actress in a Drama Series at the South African Film and Television Awards(2000),Award for the Best Supporting Actress in SAFTA(2015) and she was nominated in various awards over the years.

South African politicians and government officials expressed their condolences following saddening news of Connie's death.

The Gauteng MEC for Education,Sports,Arts,Culture and Recreation Matome Chiloane has joined the crowd to express his condolences to the family.

"I am saddened by the passing of the beloved veteran actor,Mama Connie Chiume,her passing is also a huge loss to the nation and the creatives fraternity.

"We reminisce on her meticulous talent which made her a one-of-a-kind performer whose extensive body of work has represented our great nation's star power beyond our borders.Her immense on-screen impact was immeasurable and will go down in history as one of our greatest storytellers.

"As we commemorate Women's Month,I wish to honour her legacy and chutzpah as a power queen who has inspired countless creatives and given the industry the respect it deserves.

My sincerest condolences to her loved ones and colleagues.May her beloved soul rest in eternal peace.Fare thee well Mama,your legacy and work will never be forgotten,"said MEC Matome Chiloane.

She was a relative of a Malawian politician Ephraim Mganda Chiume as her father hails from Usisya,Nkhata Bay in Malawi and her mother hailed from KwaZulu-Natal.