The family of award-winning actress Connie Chiume has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the public for their support following the death of the actress.
“The Chiume family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for all the messages of support and condolences during this difficult time, as they cope with the loss of their mother, Connie,” read the statement.
Chiume’s family on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that the actress died at the Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg, “following a period of illness”.
“Her children would like to express their deep appreciation to the doctors and nursing staff who provided exceptional care during her stay.”
Chiume was born in Welkom and initially trained as a nurse before beginning her acting career in 1977, when she relocated to Greece to join the cast of the musical “Sola Sola”.
She later rose to prominence in South Africa after playing Thembi in the series “Inkom’ Edla Yodwa” in 1989, as well as in TV shows such as “Rhythm City” and “Gomora”.
Throughout her career, the actress received numerous awards, including the NTVA Avanti Award for Best Actress in a Drama Series for ‘Soul City’ in 2000 and the SAFTA for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for ‘Zone 14’ in 2009.
