Johannesburg – Connie Chiume, a legend of film and television, is commemorating yet another momentous achievement.
On Monday, the “Black Is King” actress announced to her 200,000 Instagram followers that she will receive a Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards (HAPA) distinction for her four-decade-long contributions to the entertainment industry.
Next month, Chiume will receive the International Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hapa event in the United States.
The award presentation recognizes exceptional achievements in music, film, comedy, fashion, sport, and the arts.
“Two lifetime awards within two months? Thank you God! I cannot wait to fly to the United States in OCTOBER,” stated Chiume.
“Thank you for the acknowledgment and honor, @hapawards.”
Fans and business peers applauded Chiume on her tremendous accomplishment.
“How could we be surprised?! Not me! ,” “Gomora” actress Siphesihle Ndaba wrote.
Somizi Mhlongo, a reality television star, stated, “There is undoubtedly more to come.”
Dawn Thandeka King, star of “Diep City,” added, “Congratulations, dear, your success is well-deserved.”
The “Gomora” actor Moshe Ndiki remarked, “That’s my mother.”
“Mamam🙌❤️🙌🙌🌺🥰🌺🥰 Siyasanga Papu, star of ” Xova “, remarked, “Of course I’m cruel.”
The “Savage Beauty” actress Nthati Moshesh stated, “You so well deserve it, DiConz.”
This past weekend, Chiume was honored with the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award at the 16th South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas).
In her acceptance speech, which was published on the Saftas social media website, Chiume stated that she was “overwhelmed with delight and enthusiasm” at receiving the award after 45 years in the field.
“I’ve been in the industry for 45 years,” Chiume stated.
“We are all aware that our industry is difficult. And individuals typically ask me how I do it. How did you do it? I’m not sure. I believe that my passion for this industry. I believe that given how God has wired me, there was no way I could have escaped.
“Therefore, my mindset is that I view every job as a new experience. And I am really pleased that the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) and South Africa recognize my work,” she remarked.
The actor of “Black Panther” noted that the nomination motivates her to work even harder, smarter, and better.
“I am profoundly grateful for this. I began my career with many individuals who are still alive but have given up. However, God has given me the strength to persevere.
“I hope this award will inspire someone to say, ‘This is our industry, this is where we are, let’s make the best of it,’” Chiume said.
Moments prior to Ms. @ConnieChiume accepting her #LifetimeAchievement award at last night’s #SAFTAs.
Press Play : “Industry practitioners’ pearls of wisdom” pic.twitter.com/7pUNcneo1R
— South African Film & Television Awards (#SAFTAs) on September 4, 2022 (@SAFTAs 1)
Chiume has starred in numerous local and international films and television series, including “Rhythm City,” “Zone 14,” “Soul City,” “Yizo Yizo,” “Black is King,” and “Black Panther,” over the course of nearly five decades.
She starred in notable pieces such as “You Strike The Woman, You Strike The Rock,” “Ipi Ntombi,” and “Little Shop of Horrors” on the stage.