The world often paints a picture of luxury and perfection when it comes to the lives of celebrity children. Social media feeds are filled with images of lavish lifestyles and seemingly effortless success, leading many to believe that growing up with a famous mother means a life of ease.
However, the reality for Nothando Mabuza and Nongelo Chiume, children of the late Connie Chiume, has been starkly different.
Nothando and Nongelo, in a previous interview with Drum magazine, shared their hidden struggles and the pressures that came with having a famous mother. For Nothando, bullying was a persistent issue throughout her school years. She recalled a particularly harrowing incident where she was beaten by seven girls, forcing her to change schools.
“I got beaten by seven girls because of who my mom was and I actually had to change high schools, so I’ve always had a problem with the friend space; making friends, being accepted and being treated normally in normal spaces[..]people were always looking at me, what I’m wearing, if my hair wasn’t done that month, why and is there a problem at home?” Nothando shared.
This experience, she revealed, made it difficult for her to form genuine friendships. She was constantly scrutinized for her family background, with people often questioning her actions and motivations. Even in university, she faced challenges, including being befriended for access to exclusive events and struggling to differentiate who her real friends were.
Connie Chiume
Nongelo, on the other hand, faced similar challenges in the entertainment industry. He often found himself battling the assumption that his mother had secured his opportunities. “What they don’t realize is that sometimes, we really hustle these things for ourselves,” he noted.
Despite the hardships, the Chiume family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support following the death of Connie. In a statement shared on Instagram, they stated: “The Chiume family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for all the messages of support and condolence during this difficult time as they cope with the loss of their mother, Connie. Her children would like to express their deep appreciation to the doctors and nursing staff who provided exceptional care during her stay. Details of the funeral and memorial services will be shared on Connie’s social media platform.”