In Pictures, Gomora actress Connie Chiume ‘MaSonto’ turns 70, birthday celebration images impress Mzansi.
Legendary Gomora actress Connie Chiume who plays the lead role of MaSonto on the Mzansi Magic telenovela, is ageing like a fine wine. MaSonto turns 70 years and celebrates her birthday in the company of fellow actors, friends and family in Tshwane, Kempton Park.
Connie Chiume is celebrating her birthday.
Born on 5 June 1952, the legendary actress was raised in Welkom. She completed her matric in the Eastern Cape and graduated with a degree in teaching in 1976. Connie dumped teaching to travel and went to Greece; she started acting on her return to South Africa. An internationally recognized actress played a role in the Marvel Studios film Black Panther as the Mining Tribe Elder.
Playing MaSonto on Gomora
Connie was the highlight of the Gomora cast when the show was billed to replace Isithembiso on Mzansi Magic. Though the cast included seasoned actors like Zolisa Xaluva and Katlego Danke, Connie remained the anchor of the cast. Her role in Gomora is a matriarch of the Molefe family, a single mother who ventures into crime to provide for her family. Famous for unconditional love for her family, MaSonto is credited for the unity of cast members off the screens.
Described by her onset younger daughter Pretty (Siyasanga Papu), Connie Chiume is the glue that binds the production together.
“She is one of the reasons why we are a close family on and off the screens; Mama Connie is our guider and counsellor who regularly checks on us. We are blessed to have her around and try to tap into her experience and wisdom while she is still around” – Siyasanga Papu.
Connie Chiume’s birthday celebrations in pictures
An anniversary of a legend is worthy of celebrating; MaSonto’s birthday was well attended, with Gomora cast members and industry friends, including 64-year-old actress Thembi Nyandeni who plays villain Njinji on Uzalo.
In attendance was ex Gomora actor Israel Matseke Zulu who left the telenovela due to ill health, and Sana Mchunu who plays the role of Zodwa and Siphesihle Ndaba (Mazet), amongst others.
