South African Presley Chweneyagae dead
According to a statement released on Tuesday by his manager, Nina Morris Lee, Tsotsi star Presley Chweneyagae passed away at the age of 40.
In the daily drama The River, he won an award for his portrayal of Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena.
The statement said, “We confirm with great sadness the untimely passing of one of South Africa’s most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae, at the age of 40.”
Presley, who was born in Mahikeng, North West, on October 19, 1984, was destined for the theatre and the big screen.
When he enrolled in acting workshops at the North West Arts Council (now The Mmabana Arts, Culture, and Sports Foundation) at the age of ten, he embarked on a lifelong journey of excellence, storytelling, and expression.
His iconic performance in Tsotsi (2005) catapulted him to international renown and helped South Africa win its first-ever Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Presley’s performance struck a chord with viewers everywhere, solidifying his status as a strong and genuine voice in African cinema.
We regret to inform you of the sudden death at the age of 40 of Presley Chweneyagae, one of South Africa’s most talented and adored performers.
“Presley had notable roles in the award-winning television series The River (2018) and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) during his career, which spanned theatre, television, and film.” His roles in Hamlet, Mark Antony in Julius Caesar, Bottom and Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Orestes in Dikeledi (an adaptation of Electra), Relativity, Urban Reality, Jack in the Box, The Grandball, Silent Voice, Kalushi, Cards, Beautiful Things, and more demonstrated his commanding and transformational presence on stage.
In addition, he was a talented writer and director. He directed the critically praised performance CELL NO 4 and co-wrote the highly regarded stage drama Relativity with Paul Grootboom, which was later published by STE Publishers.
Presley was a beloved and longtime part of the MLA family. He was more than just a customer; he was also a friend, a mentor to many, and a source of inspiration and tenacity. His legacy will always include his dedication to empowering the upcoming generation of artists.
“His wife, kids, extended family, coworkers, and everyone who knew and loved him have our deepest sympathies. We honor the brightness he brought to the world, even as we mourn the tremendous loss of a magnificent talent. Information on memorial services will be released when it is ready.
