Remembering the lives of Australian journalist Jane Hansen and South African actress Connie Chiume
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The TV and entertainment industry mourns the loss of two strong women who shaped their respective fields.
Jane Hansen, a name synonymous with tenacity, sadly succumbed to a nearly two-year battle with an aggressive brain tumour.
Hansen, who was in her 50s, passed away on the Gold Coast at 11:40 pm on Tuesday and was surrounded by her family.
She was remembered for her unwavering spirit and humour, even in the face of grave illness.
A known journalist and war correspondent, Hansen's legacy extended far beyond the newsroom.
Her assignments took her to conflict zones, where she reported under the constant threat of violence and political unrest.
She recounted harrowing experiences of sleeping in bombed-out buildings in Sarajevo, facing down Taliban officials, and dealing with death threats.
Yet, it was her battle against the entrenched sexism within the Australian TV industry that brought her into the national spotlight.
In 2008, Hansen, alongside fellow reporter Fiona McKenzie, published Boned.
This book alluded to the infamous sacking of Today Show host Jessica Rowe.
Though fictional in nature, the book was a thinly veiled exposé of the rampant misogyny and 'blokey culture' that permeated the network.
It detailed the protagonist's struggle against institutional sexism, mirroring the real-world challenges Hansen and many of her female colleagues faced in their workplace.
The publication of Boned became a watershed moment for Australian media.
It risked both authors' careers as they initially chose to remain anonymous to avoid any career sabotage.
Nearly a decade after the book's release, Hansen's confession of her authorship was a testament to her commitment to challenging the status quo and advocating for equality.
Hansen's impact on Australian society extended beyond her work in television.
As a journalist with News Corp's Sunday Telegraph, she was a vocal critic of the anti-vaccination and anti-fluoride movements in New South Wales.
Her pro-vaccination campaigns were instrumental in policy changes that withheld welfare payments from parents who refused to immunise their children.
Her advocacy also barred anti-vaxxer parents from accessing childcare centres and preschools.
On the other side of the globe, a renowned South African actress known for her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Black Panther just passed away.
Connie Chiume's death came as a shock to fans and colleagues, as it followed the untimely death of Black Panther's leading man, Chadwick Boseman.
Chiume, whose career spanned several decades, passed away at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg. She was 72 and is survived by her four children.
Chiume's family members confirmed the news through a statement released on social media.
The statement read, 'The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress, Connie Chiume. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.'
Her son, Nongelo Chiume, spoke to the South African news network Newzroom Afrika, and revealed that his mother had been 'admitted for a medical procedure' prior to her death.
While details of the procedure or the cause of her passing remain unconfirmed, Nongelo noted that she had been recovering well before the tragic turn of events.
The family requested privacy but promised to keep the public informed of any updates.
Connie Chiume's legacy was one of talent, grace, and dedication.
She was celebrated for her portrayal of the tribal leader Zawavari in Black Panther.
However, her impact on the screen extended far beyond the Marvel Universe.
With over 30 acting credits, Chiume was a versatile performer, gracing television series such as Housekeepers.
She also starred in Beyoncé's 2020 musical film Black Is King, where she played Simba's mother, Sarabi.
Before acting, Chiume was a teacher, demonstrating her passion for education and empowerment.
Her contributions to the arts were recognised with multiple awards, including the Best Actress in a Drama Series at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) for her work in Soul City and another SAFTA award for Zone 14 in 2009.
The South African government, along with countless fans and fellow actors, expressed their condolences and acknowledged the indelible mark Chiume left on the industry.
'Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award-winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered #RIPConnieChiume,' the South African government wrote.
The loss of Jane Hansen and Connie Chiume are felt deeply by those who knew their works.
Their legacies are one of integrity and passion for the things they do.
Hansen and Chiume's lives and careers serve as an inspiration to women everywhere.
As we bid goodbye to two amazing women, the work they have put out will continue to inspire future generations of journalists and artists.
May they rest in peace.
Jane Hansen, a name synonymous with tenacity, sadly succumbed to a nearly two-year battle with an aggressive brain tumour.
Hansen, who was in her 50s, passed away on the Gold Coast at 11:40 pm on Tuesday and was surrounded by her family.
She was remembered for her unwavering spirit and humour, even in the face of grave illness.
A known journalist and war correspondent, Hansen's legacy extended far beyond the newsroom.
Her assignments took her to conflict zones, where she reported under the constant threat of violence and political unrest.
She recounted harrowing experiences of sleeping in bombed-out buildings in Sarajevo, facing down Taliban officials, and dealing with death threats.
Jane Hansen's work as a journalist was recognised as she faced multiple conflicts in different locations. Image Credit: News Corp Australia
Yet, it was her battle against the entrenched sexism within the Australian TV industry that brought her into the national spotlight.
In 2008, Hansen, alongside fellow reporter Fiona McKenzie, published Boned.
This book alluded to the infamous sacking of Today Show host Jessica Rowe.
Though fictional in nature, the book was a thinly veiled exposé of the rampant misogyny and 'blokey culture' that permeated the network.
It detailed the protagonist's struggle against institutional sexism, mirroring the real-world challenges Hansen and many of her female colleagues faced in their workplace.
The publication of Boned became a watershed moment for Australian media.
It risked both authors' careers as they initially chose to remain anonymous to avoid any career sabotage.
Nearly a decade after the book's release, Hansen's confession of her authorship was a testament to her commitment to challenging the status quo and advocating for equality.
Hansen's impact on Australian society extended beyond her work in television.
As a journalist with News Corp's Sunday Telegraph, she was a vocal critic of the anti-vaccination and anti-fluoride movements in New South Wales.
Her pro-vaccination campaigns were instrumental in policy changes that withheld welfare payments from parents who refused to immunise their children.
Her advocacy also barred anti-vaxxer parents from accessing childcare centres and preschools.
On the other side of the globe, a renowned South African actress known for her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Black Panther just passed away.
Connie Chiume's death came as a shock to fans and colleagues, as it followed the untimely death of Black Panther's leading man, Chadwick Boseman.
Chiume, whose career spanned several decades, passed away at Garden City Hospital in Johannesburg. She was 72 and is survived by her four children.
Chiume's family members confirmed the news through a statement released on social media.
Connie Chiume received an award from South Africa's Department of Sports, Arts and Culture for her contributions. Image Credit: Instagram/Connie Chiume
The statement read, 'The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress, Connie Chiume. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.'
Her son, Nongelo Chiume, spoke to the South African news network Newzroom Afrika, and revealed that his mother had been 'admitted for a medical procedure' prior to her death.
While details of the procedure or the cause of her passing remain unconfirmed, Nongelo noted that she had been recovering well before the tragic turn of events.
The family requested privacy but promised to keep the public informed of any updates.
Connie Chiume's legacy was one of talent, grace, and dedication.
She was celebrated for her portrayal of the tribal leader Zawavari in Black Panther.
However, her impact on the screen extended far beyond the Marvel Universe.
With over 30 acting credits, Chiume was a versatile performer, gracing television series such as Housekeepers.
She also starred in Beyoncé's 2020 musical film Black Is King, where she played Simba's mother, Sarabi.
Before acting, Chiume was a teacher, demonstrating her passion for education and empowerment.
Her contributions to the arts were recognised with multiple awards, including the Best Actress in a Drama Series at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) for her work in Soul City and another SAFTA award for Zone 14 in 2009.
The South African government, along with countless fans and fellow actors, expressed their condolences and acknowledged the indelible mark Chiume left on the industry.
'Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award-winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered #RIPConnieChiume,' the South African government wrote.
The loss of Jane Hansen and Connie Chiume are felt deeply by those who knew their works.
Their legacies are one of integrity and passion for the things they do.
Hansen and Chiume's lives and careers serve as an inspiration to women everywhere.
May they rest in peace.
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May you both rest in peace.
