Nothando Mabuza-Chiume, daughter of the late legendary South African actress Connie Chiume, is moving closer to making her dream of studying scriptwriting in Los Angeles a reality After months of fundraising, her campaign has gained encouraging momentum, but she still needs additional financial support before her programme begins in October.
Nothando, who is an actress, drama teacher, and mentor, launched a crowdfunding campaign earlier this year with the goal of raising R150,000. The funds will help cover the cost of an advanced scriptwriting programme in the United States, an opportunity she believes will strengthen her storytelling skills and create new opportunities for African creatives on the global stage.
Known for her dedication to youth development, Nothando has spent years teaching acting, running drama workshops, and mentoring aspiring performers from underprivileged communities. She hopes the international training will equip her with the knowledge and experience needed to continue empowering young South African artists while preserving the legacy of her late mother.
Connie Chiume, one of South Africa’s most respected actresses, passed away on 6 August 2024 at the age of 72 after a period of illness. Since her passing, Nothando has continued pursuing her passion for the arts while honouring the values and commitment her mother demonstrated throughout her celebrated career.
Although her fundraising campaign has made steady progress, the journey has not been easy. Earlier this week, Nothando revealed that she had almost given up after feeling discouraged by the slow pace of donations. However, an unexpected contribution of R3,000 renewed her hope and motivated her to continue appealing for support.
The campaign has now raised close to R70,000 through various fundraising efforts, bringing her significantly closer to her target. Despite this progress, she still has a considerable amount to raise before she can confidently travel to the United States.
Beyond tuition fees, Nothando explained that there are several essential costs that remain uncovered. These include airfare, accommodation, and living expenses during her first month in Los Angeles while she secures permanent housing. She has encouraged anyone willing to assist with these additional costs to contact her directly.
With the October start date approaching, time has become one of her greatest challenges. She has publicly appealed to the Department of Arts and Culture and Minister Gayton McKenzie, hoping the government can provide financial assistance that will complement the generous contributions already made by members of the public.
For Nothando, this opportunity represents more than personal success. She believes gaining international experience will allow her to return home with valuable skills that can benefit aspiring actors, writers, and filmmakers across South Africa. Her vision is to help create pathways for emerging African storytellers while continuing the work she has already begun in local communities.
Support for her campaign continues to grow on social media, with many South Africans expressing admiration for her determination and encouraging others to contribute. As the deadline draws nearer, Nothando remains hopeful that the remaining funds can be raised in time, allowing her to take the next step in her creative journey and continue building on the remarkable legacy left behind by her mother.
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