Thinus Ferreira
The award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae has died. He was 40.
Presley Chweneyagae's cause of death isn't yet known.
In a statement, his management says "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."
"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 an integral part of 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."
Across a three-decade performing arts career, Presley Chweneyagae rose to fame after his role in the Oscar-winning South African film Tsotsi at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006 in the Best Foreign Film category.
This was also the role which earned him his first Golden Horn trophy at the first South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) in 2006.
Before that, he was on stage doing plays and community theatre, and started at the age of 10, attending drama classes at the North West Arts Council, which is now known as the Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation.
Stage roles in Shakespeare plays included Hamlet in Hamlet, Mark Anthony in Julius Caesar, Bottom and Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and appearances in Electra as well as Dikeledi.
Presley Chweneyagae, who was born on 19 October 1984 in Mahikeng, is also known for his role as Thuso "Cobra" Mokoena in M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) telenovela The River, a role he reprised in a spin-off series Cobrizi centred around his character.
For this role, he won a Golden Horn in 2019, and again won in the Best Actor category at the SAFTAs in 2024 for portraying the same character.
Presley Chweneyagae's first TV role was in Orlando on the SABC in 2000, and he also had roles in the 2006 miniseries When We Were Black as Poet, the SABC2 drama series 90 Plein Street and SABC3's drama series Thula's Vine as detective Moloko.
Presley Chweneyagae also appeared in Mzansi Magic's iNumber Number in 2017, a drama series spin-off from the 2013 film, and was the character of Shoes in both.
He also co-wrote the critically acclaimed play Relativity, later published by STE Publishers, and directed the award-winning production CELL NO 4.
In a statement, MultiChoice says "It is with deep sadness that we at DStv extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Presley Chweneyagae, an actor of immense talent, heart, and a beloved member of Mzansi's entertainment family.
Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice CEO of general entertainment, says "Presley - or Mokwepa, as he grew to be known - was a generational talent whose work helped shape Mzansi television".
"His characters felt like family. He was every mother's son, every girl's funny lover, and everyone's best friend."
"Through characters like Cobra on The River, and most recently on Mzansi Magic's Cobrizi, he didn't just entertain - he made us laugh, made us care, and helped us understand the people behind the stories. His work brought heart and humanity to every role."
"His legacy lives on in the stories he helped bring to life. He was part of some of DStv's most loved productions, and his performances will continue to resonate. We will miss him dearly."
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew and loved him - including his second family at Tshedza Pictures - during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Mokwepa, Rest in peace our beloved Cobrizi…Your legacy will forever live on."
South Africa's National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) said "it joins the nation and global film community in mourning the untimely passing of Presley Chweneyagae" that it calls "a trailblazing actor whose talent, depth, and dedication elevated South African storytelling to global acclaim".
Dr Vince Blennies, NFVF CEO, says "Presley Chweneyagae accolades are a testament to his lasting impact on the South African entertainment industry".
"Beyond the screen, he was a committed mentor and advocate for youth development in the arts - a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Presley was a national treasure that loved his craft."
"His passing at the age of 40 is an immense loss to the South African film and television industry. The NFVF extends heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, family, and all those who were touched by his spirit and brilliance."
