South African TV star dies aged 72

Connie Chiume, a veteran South African actor who appeared in Marvel film Black Panther, has died at the age of 72, her family has announced.

The multi-award-winning actress starred in several South African TV shows including Rhythm City, Zone 14 and most recently, Gomora.

Chiume was a trained teacher but later became a household name on mainstream television.

She died at a Johannesburg hospital on Tuesday afternoon, a short family statement said.

“The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress Connie Chiume,” the statement said.

The family asked for privacy during this difficult period and said it would communicate further details later.

Her son Nongelo Chiume told TV broadcaster Newzroom Afrika that she was admitted for a “medical procedure” before her death.

Chiume graced South African TV for decades in shows such as Rhythm City, with the country’s public broadcaster SABC News describing her as a “beacon of hope” in their tribute.

She rose to prominence as an actress in 1989 when she appeared in the popular South African television series Inkom’ Edla Yodwa.

In the 2018 Black Panther film, Chiume starred as Zawavari – a member of the Wakandan Tribal Council. In the 2022 sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever she replaced Zuri (Forest Whitaker) as Wakanda’s Elder Statesman.

She was also highly celebrated for her appearances in Beyoncé’s Disney musical film based on The Lion King, in which she played Simba’s mother, Sarabi.

Her most recent role was in Heart of the Hunter, released earlier this year, and she also appeared in TV series Soon Comes Night in February.

Chiume was given several awards, including an NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in Soul City in 2000.

Later in 2009, she received a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for her role as Stella Moloi in the family drama Zone 14.

She was born in Welkom, in Free State province, to a Malawian father and a Zulu mother. She trained as a nurse but ended up as a teacher.

In 2022, she told the MacG Podcast that she would like for people to remember her the way they choose to.

“I have impacted each and every person in a different way. Whatever way I have impacted you, remember me that way.”

Tributes have flooded in on social media with some of her fans describing her as a versatile actress who played a multitude of roles in the South African television industry.

“Her outstanding work will always be remembered,” the South African government posted on X.

She leaves behind four children – two sons and two daughters.