South African award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae, best known for his roles in Tsotsi and The River, has passed away at the age of 40.
According to reports, the actor passed away on Tuesday morning, 27th May 2025.
Chweneyagae rose to fame with standout performances like Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena in The River and the lead in Tsotsi, which won an Oscar. Over the years, he brought depth to roles in iNumber Number: Jozi Gold, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Avenged, Africa United, and more. Most recently, in early 2025, he starred in the 13-episode drama Cobrizi, cementing his legacy on South African television.
Presley Chweneyagae’s death was officially confirmed by his talent management, MLA, on behalf of his family.
Per the statement:
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the untimely passing of one of South Africa’s most gifted and beloved actors, Presley Chweneyagae, at the age of 40.
Born on October 19, 1984, in Mafikeng, North West Province, Presley was destined for the stage and screen. His artistic journey began at the age of 10 when he joined drama classes at the North West Arts Council (now The Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation), setting him on a lifelong path of storytelling, expression, and excellence.
He rose to international fame with his unforgettable performance in Tsotsi (2005), a role that helped bring home South Africa’s first-ever Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Presley’s performance resonated with audiences across the globe, cementing his place as a powerful and authentic voice in African cinema.
Presley’s career spanned theatre, television, and film, with standout performances in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) and the award-winning television series The River (2018). On stage, his presence was commanding and transformative, with roles in:
• Hamlet 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.
He was also a gifted writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom –later published by STE Publishers and directing the award-winning production CELL NO 4.
Presley was a longtime and cherished member of the MLA family – more than a client; he was a friend, a mentor to many, a beacon of creativity and perseverance. His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain integral to his legacy.
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.
Rest in power, Presley. You will never be forgotten.
Details surrounding his death have not yet been made public.”
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