Tsotsi actor Presley Chweneyagae has died at age 40, his manager Nina Morris Lee confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

Chweneyagae played the titular role in the Oscar winning local film in 2005.

He was also known for his award-winning performance as Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena in daily drama The River.

“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,” the statement read.
“Born on October 19 1984 in Mahikeng, North West, 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.

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

Statement

“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, 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.