VETERAN actress Connie Chiume, aka Mamokete, has been axed from Rhythm City.
Next Wednesday will be the last day viewers will see her on their screens in the soapie, which, according to February’s Broadcast Research Council of South Africa ratings, has about three million viewers.
The channel has promised that Mamokete’s last episodes on the much loved e.tv soapie will be dramatic and thrilling.
Mamokete has been with the show since it started in July 2007.
According to her it was not her choice to go.
She said: “It is how the script was written and one cannot argue with the writers. It was my time to go. It is not nice but that is the nature of the industry.”
Mamokete said she stopped shooting her scenes on 12 February.
Acting MD of e.tv’s channels division, Marlon Davids, confirmed Connie’s contract as Mamokete has come to an end, but kept mum about her character’s exit.
He said: “We are not revealing information about how she leaves the soapie as we don’t want to spoil the storyline for our viewers.”
Connie told Daily Sun about being on the soapie for nine years. “It has been quite a journey. We have been a family on set from the time we began with Kop, Tshidi and Stone to the new additions, including Reneilwe.
“My ‘husband’ Kop is very professional and has never disappointed me,” she said.
Mamokete said she was working on something else besides the soapie.
“I am getting accreditation for a film and theatre school.
“It is time for me to share my knowledge with the younger generation,” she said.
Producer Yula Quinn said they were sad to bid Connie goodbye.
“She has been one of the show’s cornerstone characters. The brilliance and talent she brought to the soapie in her role as Mamokete has been an inspiration to many. All of us will miss her and wish her all the best with her future endeavours,” said Quinn.
