South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, renowned for his compelling performances in film, television, and theatre, has died at the age of 40. His passing was confirmed on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, by his manager, Nina Morris Lee, however the cause of death has not been disclosed reported news24
Born on October 19, 1984, in Mahikeng, North West Province, Chweneyagae’s passion for the performing arts was evident from a young age. He began his artistic journey at 10, joining drama classes at the North West Arts Council (now The Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation) .
Chweneyagae gained international acclaim for his lead role in the 2005 film Tsotsi, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His portrayal of the titular character showcased his profound talent and brought global attention to South African cinema .
Beyond Tsotsi, he delivered notable performances in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) and the television series The River (2018), where he played Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena. His versatility extended to the stage, with roles in productions like Hamlet, Julius Caesar, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Chweneyagae also co-authored the acclaimed play Relativity and directed the award-winning production CELL NO 4
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans alike. Actress Terry Pheto, his co-star in Tsotsi, expressed her sorrow, stating, “We shared an unforgettable moment when we won the Oscar. It’s a moment I will forever cherish” .
Chweneyagae leaves behind a powerful legacy that helped shape South African cinema and inspired a generation of performers.
