As the Chiume family prepare to lay the veteran actress Connie Chiume to rest, her industry friends and family remember her as a humble person.
The announcement shocked many internet users when the Chiume family released a statement saying that Connie had passed away at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, after being hospitalised due to suffering a short illness.
Taking to Instagram, the family announced that dates for her memorial service and funeral are set to take place this week.As per reports by entertainment publication, ZiMoja, industry legends and her colleagues came together to honour her great work, where they shared moments of various encounters with her.
Speaking to the above-mentioned source, close friend, Rose Nozipho Mankazane said, “Sis Connie was humble, down to earth, loving warm and very caring,” adding that, “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.”
Renowned thespian, Dr. John Kani who also featured in Marvel’s Black Panther alongside Connie said, “If this was Aretha Franklin’s funeral everyone would be here, BBC would be here, but it’s just Connie.”
While tributes continue to pour in on social media, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie described the veteran actress as a beacon of strength, resilience and grace in a recently released statement.