Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed South African actor renowned for his leading role in the Oscar-winning film “Tsotsi,” has passed away at the age of 40. His death was confirmed by his talent agency, MLA, which described him as one of South Africa’s “most gifted and beloved actors.” The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born on October 19, 1984, in Mafikeng, South Africa, Chweneyagae began his acting career in community theater during his teenage years. His breakthrough came with the 2005 film “Tsotsi,” where he portrayed the titular character, a Johannesburg gangster who undergoes a moral transformation. The film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards, marking a significant achievement for South African cinema.
Following “Tsotsi,” Chweneyagae’s career flourished with roles in both film and television. He starred in “The River,” a popular South African telenovela, portraying Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena. His performance in “The River” earned him a Golden Horn at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) in 2019.
In addition to his acting career, Chweneyagae was a writer and director. He co-authored the internationally acclaimed stage play “Relativity” with Paul Grootboom, which was later published as a book. He also directed the award-winning play “Cell No 4.”
Chweneyagae’s contributions to the arts were widely recognized. The South African government paid tribute to him, describing him as a “gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts.” The South African Film and Television Awards organization, known as SAFTA, honored him as a “true legend of South African Cinema.”.
In 2023, Chweneyagae was implicated in a National Lottery scandal investigated by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU). Reports suggested that over R67.5 million was allocated to the Southern African Youth Movement (SAYM), of which he was said to be an ambassador. The funds were intended for projects aimed at uplifting poor women in Marikana and surrounding areas through a chicken farming initiative. Other celebrities, including kwaito singer Arthur Mafokate and actress Terry Pheto, were also implicated in the scandal.
Chweneyagae is survived by his wife, Paulina, and their three sons. His passing has left a significant void in the South African entertainment industry, and he will be remembered for his impactful performances and contributions to the arts.
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