Mzansi mourns death of Presley Chweneyagae
South African actor Presley Chweneyagae has passed away at the age of 40, leaving fans and the entertainment industry reeling with shock and sorrow.
According to those close to him, he died in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Chweneyagae became a household name and international sensation in 2005 after his unforgettable lead role in the Academy Award-winning film Tsotsi.
His portrayal of a troubled young gangster who finds redemption through an abandoned baby captivated audiences worldwide and earned him the prestigious Golden Horn for Best Actor at the first South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in 2006.
Beyond Tsotsi, Chweneyagae remained a familiar face on South African screens, most notably as “Cobra” in the hit series The River and its spin-off.
His range and depth allowed him to seamlessly transform from villain to hero, misunderstood relative to passionate advocate, making him a standout talent in every production.
His agency, MLA, confirmed the tragic news in a statement, expressing the collective grief of those who knew and admired him.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, extended family, colleagues, and all who knew and loved him. While we grieve the immense loss of a remarkable talent, we celebrate the light he brought to the world. Details regarding memorial services will be shared in due course.”
Social media has since become a space of tribute, with heartfelt messages pouring in from across the country.
Among them, DJ Mahoota’s words stood out: “So young, so gifted, so kind, so loving.”
