Nearly two years after losing legendary actress Connie Chiume, her daughter, Nothando Mabuza Chiume, has shared an emotional plea for support as she prepares to return to Los Angeles to further her acting and scriptwriting studies.
The actress and creative entrepreneur has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the costs of returning to the United States, saying the opportunity represents more than just education—it is part of her journey of healing and rediscovering herself after her mother’s death.
Nothando admitted that asking for help did not come easily.
“I’ve gone back and forth about sharing this… but I’ve learned that sometimes faith requires you to be seen,” she wrote.
She revealed that while many people assume she has everything under control because she is the daughter of one of South Africa’s most celebrated actresses, the reality has been very different.
“For a long time, I’ve carried things quietly. Grief. Pressure. Expectations. The assumption that I’m okay… that I have everything I need. But the truth is, I’m still building, still healing, still finding my way,” she shared.
Nothando said a recent visit to Los Angeles reignited her passion for storytelling and convinced her that continuing her studies there is the right next step.
She plans to study scriptwriting and acting while completing her qualification through a performing arts conservatory programme, saying the experience will help sharpen her skills and expand her international network.
The actress also hopes to use the knowledge she gains overseas to create more opportunities for young South African performers. Before launching the campaign, she had already built a reputation as a drama teacher and mentor, working with aspiring artists through acting classes and youth development programmes.
Nothando has continued to honour the legacy of her late mother, who died in August 2024 at the age of 72 after a career spanning more than four decades. Connie Chiume became one of South Africa’s most respected actresses through memorable roles in Zone 14, Rhythm City, Gomora, Black Panther, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Black Is King.
Since her mom’s passing, Nothando has spoken openly about the emotional toll of grief.
“For a long, long time, I sat in that space of feeling lost and completely alone. So please, give me time. I’m still learning myself, still healing, still trying to find my way again,” she said in a recent interview.
Through her “Road to Los Angeles” fundraising campaign, Nothando says she is placing her faith in those who believe in her dream.
“If you feel moved to contribute in any way, big or small, it would mean more than I can express. And if you can’t, sharing this is just as powerful,” she said.
Her campaign aims to help cover tuition, travel and living expenses as she embarks on what she describes as a life-changing chapter, one she hopes will not only shape her own career, but also allow her to inspire and uplift the next generation of South African creatives.
