Award-winning, internationally acclaimed actress, Connie Chiume, was laid in a casket covered with white flowers at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton, on Thursday, as her family, friends, industry peers and dignitaries said their final goodbyes.
Councillor Nthabiseng Tshivhenga, Speaker of Council in Ekurhuleni and actress Rami Chuene, handled the funeral proceedings.
Chiume graced our TV screens for more than 40 years on shows like “Rhythm City”, “Zone 14”, “ Skeem Saam” and “Gomora”, among others.
Tshivhenga described the “Black Panther” actress as a “force of nature, a game changer and an inspiration to women all over the world”.
She said Chiume would often have serious conversations about the arts and the difficulties artists faced.
“She raised concerns about how difficult it is in between jobs for artists to sustain themselves, and how poorly artists are treated in our own country.
“During her career, Mam Connie disrupted the status quo and challenged the belief that women only belonged in the kitchen.
“She did the unthinkable at the time, which was to travel outside South Africa with a musical group which led her to visit countries like Greece to share her artistic talents with the world.
“Mam Connie’s accomplishments served as a testimony to the talent, strength, resilience and brilliance that is inherent in African women.
“As we honour her today, we must uphold her legacy by reconfirming our dedication to establishing a society that transformative initiatives not only advance the economic emancipation of women, but also equip us to take bold strides.
“I would like us to celebrate Mam Connie because she is nothing short of an icon,” Tshivhenga said.
It was mentioned that President Cyril Ramaphosa had declared a special official provincial funeral for Chiume but the family were in the last stages of planning her funeral and decided against last-minute changes.
Many family members and friends came forward to offer tributes to the legendary actress, among them was Chiume’s niece who said: “Mama understood how to treat another person the way she would have wanted to be treated. She understood that she cannot get before giving and that in that giving, she opened a magnetic portal for receiving automatically.
“She understood that the highest frequency is life and love and she achieved this with flying colours ... She touched and empowered as many lives as she possibly could, and put South Africa on the map of greatness through ‘Black Panther’ at the ending of life.”
Seasoned actress Katlego Danke shared fond memories with guests of her chemistry with Chiume on the set of “Gomora”.
“I was surprised by the power of this humble woman who only greeted me moments before. The electricity was palpable in the room. The connection was undeniable, everyone could feel it.
“It was confirmed, the role of Mam’ Sonto, was to be played by the great Connie Chiume, and so began a journey, I can only describe as Godsent.
“Every day on set brought valuable lessons and a joy where I had almost forgotten about doing my job, that joy was linked to you Mama. You took that role and you teared it up, you brought your heart and soul to it, pushing the boundaries everyday...
“You made every single one of us on set feel loved, seen and respected, you had that beautiful ability to get down and vibe with the young ones when they were making TikTok videos, but also be able to sit and reminisce about the good old days with the older generation, with a good glass of whiskey, and boy did you love to party and dance.”
Danke said she missed Chiume’s natural, regal sense of confidence, her scrutinizing eye for detail and no nonsense approach to her artistry among other things.
“The family at home and on set has lost a mother, the country has lost an ambassador, the industry and the world at large has lost a legend, an icon, a superstar, We salute you, Connie Chiume, rest in peace,” she ended.
During the ceremony video reels of tributes from friends and peers overseas, as well as South African presenter and entrepreneur, Felicia Mabuza-Suttle and the multi-talented, Somizi Mhlongo, were shared.
Former Minister of Police, Fikile Mbalula and Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, also took to the podium to share fitting tributes to the late South African actress.