South Africa is in mourning following the passing of Presley Chweneyagae, the celebrated actor whose breakout performance in Tsotsi placed him firmly on the world stage. He was 40 years old.
According to a statement from his family, Chweneyagae died of natural causes after experiencing breathing difficulties. Family spokesperson Mzwakhe Sigudla confirmed that paramedics attempted to revive him, but sadly, “he couldn’t make it.”
Born in 1984 in the North West province, Chweneyagae’s journey into the arts began early. Long before he graced international film festivals, he was already treading the boards in local theatre. His first professional play came in 1998—an early sign of the passion that would define his life.
But it was 2005’s Tsotsi that made Chweneyagae a household name, not just in South Africa, but across the globe. The gritty, emotionally charged film—which follows a young gang leader on a path to redemption—won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It was South Africa’s first Oscar win in that category.
For many, Chweneyagae’s performance as Tsotsi was unforgettable. Raw and nuanced, it captured the complex realities of life in post-apartheid townships. The film blended various South African languages, including Tsotsitaal, and resonated deeply with audiences around the world.
South African film critic Stephen Aspeling called Tsotsi a landmark achievement. “It arrived at a pivotal moment—not just for our film industry, but for how the world sees South Africa,” he said. “It tackled poverty, crime, and inequality with honesty, and Presley carried that weight with incredible grace.”
Chweneyagae’s talent wasn’t confined to one role. He showed impressive range in films like iNumber Number, where he played a police officer, and in the Nelson Mandela biopic Long Walk to Freedom. On television, his performances in The River and Cobrizzi endeared him to a new generation of fans.
He once revealed on a local podcast that his acting approach was deeply personal. “You need to draw from your own emotional memory to make the scene more believable,” he said, adding that acting had always been his life’s work.
Tributes have poured in since news of his death broke. The South African government hailed him as “a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts.” The South African Film and Television Awards called him “a true legend” and “a powerhouse performer.”
Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie echoed those sentiments in an official statement: “Presley was more than an actor—he was a trailblazer who carried the soul of this nation in every role he took on.”
Chweneyagae was clear about how he wanted to be remembered. During a 2020 appearance on the MacG podcast, he said, “I just want to be remembered as an actor who loved his work and respected others. That’s it.”
And that’s exactly how he will be remembered: as a humble craftsman, a cultural icon, and a voice for the voiceless.
Rest in power, Presley Chweneyagae. You told our stories with truth—and we will never forget.
