Connie Chiume's daughter Nothando appeals for support to return to Los Angeles.
Image: Instagram
Nearly two years after the passing of legendary actress Connie Chiume, her daughter, Nothando Mabuza-Chiume, is asking for public support as she prepares to return to Los Angeles to continue pursuing her dream of building an international career in the entertainment industry.
The actress and creative recently launched a BackaBuddy campaign, titled “Road to Los Angeles”, where she opened up about the emotional journey that led her to make the decision.
In an honest post shared on Instagram, Mabuza-Chiume admitted she had wrestled with whether to ask for help but realised that “sometimes faith requires you to be seen.”
She said that while many assume she is doing well, the reality is that she has been quietly carrying grief, pressure and the weight of expectations while trying to rebuild her life.
“I’ve poured so much into trying to make things work where I am, and while I’m grateful for every lesson, I’ve come to understand that growth sometimes requires movement,” she wrote.
Mabuza-Chiume revealed that a trip she took to Los Angeles two months ago changed her perspective.
“I felt a peace I haven’t felt in a long time. I felt light. I felt aligned. I felt like I could finally breathe again.”
That experience inspired her to return to the city this October, where she plans to study scriptwriting and acting as she completes her qualification and works towards earning her associate’s degree.
Describing the move as more than just an academic opportunity, she said it represents a chance to rebuild her life.
“This journey is deeply personal. It’s about choosing life again. Choosing healing. Choosing myself.”
The actress acknowledged that asking for financial support was not easy but said she hopes those who believe in her journey will help make it possible.
“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.”
Mabuza-Chiume is no stranger to the entertainment industry. While many know her as Connie’s daughter, she has spent more than 20 years building her own career as an actress, producer, director and creative, working across film, television and theatre.
A quick scroll through her Instagram feed also reveals another side of her artistry, with music forming part of her creative journey.
According to the Connie Chiume Foundation website, she has built a reputation as a versatile performer whose work stretches beyond acting.
She has directed several stage productions, including “Katlego”, “RainSong”, “WORDS”, “LOST” and “Terminal”, while also working on productions such as “Beauty Of The World”, “Mary” and “Diancer”. Beyond performing, Mabuza-Chiume has also dedicated much of her career to nurturing young talent.
She has worked as a director at Oakfields College, helping shape aspiring performers, while also serving as one of the directors of the Connie Chiume Foundation, where she continues to support young creatives pursuing careers in the arts.
It is that passion for storytelling that she now hopes to take even further.