Tributes continue to pour in from across the entertainment industry and beyond following the untimely death of South African actor Presley Chweneyagae. The acclaimed performer, best known for his lead role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, died on Tuesday morning at the age of 40.
Chweneyagae rose to international prominence in 2005 when Tsotsi earned South Africa its first-ever Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His agency, MLA, described him as “one of South Africa’s most gifted and beloved actors.”
“We grieve the immense loss of a remarkable talent, we celebrate the light he brought to the world. Rest in power, Presley. You will never be forgotten,” read the MLA statement.
View this post on Instagram
Born on 19 October 1984 in Mafikeng, Chweneyagae began acting at the age of 10, attending drama classes at the North West Arts Council. His career spanned film, television, and theatre, with celebrated performances in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, The River, and stage classics such as Hamlet, Julius Caesar, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
MLA paid tribute to “a friend, a mentor to many, a beacon of creativity and perseverance.”
Renowned film producer Anant Singh also expressed his sorrow.
“It is with great shock and sadness that I learnt of the untimely passing of Presley Chweneyagae today. Presley was a talented actor who delivered formidable performance in roles he played in films and television series.”
He recalled working with Chweneyagae on More Than Just a Game and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, calling him “an affable person who developed strong bonds with his peers and will be greatly missed.”
🕊️ Rest in Peace, Presley Chweneyagae
The nation mourns the loss of a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts. Your legacy will live on through the powerful stories you told.
Robala ka kagiso . 🕯️🇿🇦#RIPPresleyChweneyagae #SAIcons #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/Sy7DX9dazB
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) May 27, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the talented Presley Chweneyagae. One of our own ❤️💔.
Rest in Power 🕊️.#RIPPresleyChweneyagae pic.twitter.com/nfbgZhZwdY
— NetflixSA (@NetflixSA) May 27, 2025
ALSO READ: SA arts fraternity mourns loss of veteran actor Don Mlangeni Nawa
