Beloved South African Actor Presley Chweneyagae Passes Away at 40

Johannesburg, South Africa — The award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae has died at the age of 40. His management confirmed the news in a statement, expressing deep sadness over the loss of one of South Africa’s most gifted stars.

“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of Presley Chweneyagae,” the statement reads. “He was more than a client to us; he was a friend, a mentor, and a beacon of creativity. His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain an integral part of his legacy.”

Chweneyagae’s cause of death has not yet been disclosed. His impact on the arts and his contributions to the film industry have left a lasting impression in South Africa.

Over a three-decade career, Chweneyagae rose to fame for his role in the Oscar-winning film “Tsotsi,” which received the Best Foreign Film award at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006. This performance also earned him his first Golden Horn trophy at the inaugural South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) that same year.

Starting at the age of 10, Chweneyagae trained in drama at the North West Arts Council, now known as the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation. He performed in several plays throughout his career, including roles in Shakespeare’s works like “Hamlet” and “Julius Caesar.”

Born on October 19, 1984, in Mahikeng, he also gained fame for portraying Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena in M-Net’s telenovela “The River.” He received a Golden Horn for this role in 2019 and was awarded Best Actor at the SAFTAs in 2024.

Chweneyagae’s first television role was in the SABC series “Orlando” in 2000. He later performed in projects such as the miniseries “When We Were Black” and SABC3’s drama series “Thula’s Vine.” His recent work included appearances in the drama series “iNumber Number” and its related film.

The news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and colleagues alike, highlighting the lasting impact he made on the South African performance arts community.