Connie Chiume hailed as ‘arts & culture advocate’

Danke was speaking at Chiume's funeral service at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton on Thursday.

Chiume passed away on Tuesday last week following a period of illness.

The award-winning actress was known for her roles in Zone 14, Rhythm City, Gomora and Black Panther.

Danke recalled memories she shared with Connie on and off set, including her eye for detail.

“We will miss your natural regal sense of confidence, your scrutinising eye for detail, your encouragement when moral was low, your strict sense of correction when things seemed to go array, your no-nonsense approach to your artistry, your ungovernable naughty sense of humour that often came as a surprise and your effervescent joy of life that was so very contagious with every human being you came across.”

Fellow actor Mabutho 'Kid' Sithole described Chiume as a fighter whose death is a loss for the creative industry.

“This lady was a fighter for our rights and therefore one must be aware that here we are not saying goodbye to a coward, we are saying goodbye to a wonderful, brave warrior of the struggle of the creative arts.”

Veteran journalist and family friend Phil Molefe described Chiume as a close friend to many people in the creative industry.

“I passed onto Connie’s hands a copy of the World Newspaper at the time and she went straight to the art and culture page and on that page there was an article about Sola Sola and then she asked me go and make a call to this number, it’s urgent.”

Chiume’s grandchildren describe her as full of love.

“Every time we were with her, she was so full of life and excitement and ready to conquer the next thing. She was so encouraging of us to be creative and to take life by the horns.

“uGogo left behind shoes that are unfillable not just for us as grandchildren but for artists, young women and fighters all over the country. As we sit today, all we can do is look back in awe as the legend that she was and forever will be for all of us.”

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