Tributes pour in for Presley Chweneyagae
PRETORIA - Fans are mourning the loss of award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae.
Best known for his breakout role in the Oscar-winning film Tsotsi, the actor passed away at the age of 40.
Chweneyagae captured hearts with his talent and powerful performances.
He gained international fame in 2006 when the movie set in the criminal underworld of Johannesburg's sprawling township of Soweto scooped the best foreign film award.
Tributes are pouring in from fans, friends, and colleagues. eNCA reporter Bafedile Moerane joins us from his home in Pretoria.
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IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Reel tribute: celebrating Presley Chweneyagae's Oscar-winning legacy with special screenings
DStv and Showmax have organised special screenings of his most notable works, including the film that catapulted him to stardom, " Tsotsi ". Chweneyagae died of natural causes on May 27. The South African entertainment industry recently lost one of the country's most iconic talents: Presley Chweneyagae . In the week following his death, two memorial services were held to celebrate Chweneyagae's life and career, giving friends, family and fans a space to honour the legacy of the versatile actor. His contribution to the arts has left an indelible mark, with "Tsotsi" standing as a notable highlight. This film, directed by Gavin Hood and based on Athol Fugard's acclaimed novel, follows the journey of a young boy navigating the harsh realities of life in Johannesburg's townships. "Tsotsi" tells the poignant story of a car thief who finds a baby in the stolen vehicle, forcing him to confront his own life choices. The film not only gained critical acclaim but also earned Chweneyagae an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. "Tsotsi" stars Chweneyagae alongside Terry Pheto, Kenneth Nkosi, Jerry Mofokeng and Rapulana Seiphemo. The film began its Oscar journey with victories at the Edinburgh Film Festival and the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, culminating in a heartwarming moment at the 2006 Oscars when Will Smith presented the Best Foreign Language Film award to a visibly emotional Gavin Hood.
Eyewitness News
3 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
‘The River' cast and crew remember Presley Chweneyagae as a scene-stealer
JOHANNESBURG - Cast and crew members of local telenovela The River have remembered late actor Presley Chweneyagae as a great performer who always stole the show. On Thursday, mourners gathered at the State Theatre in Pretoria in honour of the award-winning artist. Chweneyagae passed away last week at the age of 40. ALSO READ: Presley Chweneyaga's on-screen family still grappling with his passing Several speakers who addressed mourners in the theatre said the loss of Chweneyagae was a great loss of talent. Joy, laughter, and sadness was in the air as fans, friends, family, and film industry patrons celebrated the life of the artist. Chweneyagae, who was described by many as a true embodiment of what an artist is, was hailed as an impeccable craftsman. Chweneyagae, fondly remembered as Cobrizi, was described as a bubbly person who always gave meaning to all the characters he played. "Presley was a thief. He was a thief that stole the scene, but he was a Robin Hood because he gave to other actors to give back to him when he performed," said Krijay Govender, the director of The River . Most of his colleagues also shared that they are still grappling with his sudden passing.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Celebrate the life of Presley Chweneyagae on DStv and Showmax
South Africa stands united in grief as it bids farewell to Presley Chweneyagae, a giant of the screen and stage, who passed away at the age of 40. This weekend, DStv and Showmax celebrate his life, legacy, and unforgettable artistry with a special line-up of his finest work. This includes the Oscar-winning Tsotsi and the grand finale of Cobrizi . Presley's journey began in Mafikeng, where he first stepped onto the stage at age ten. His star exploded onto the world scene in 2005 with Tsotsi, a film that would make history. 'Presley Chweneyagae's performance in Tsotsi remains one of the most iconic portrayals in African cinema,' said the National Film and Video Foundation. The film, based on Athol Fugard's novel, follows a young man's struggle for survival in Johannesburg's townships. It won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, a first for South Africa. The award turned Presley into a household name, according to Showmax Stories. But Presley was never content with just one triumph, as he returned home, where he poured his heart into theatre, television, and film. Presley Chweneyagae dazzled in classics like Hamlet and Julius Caesar , co-authored the acclaimed play Relativity, and directed the award-winning Cell No. 4. Yet, it was his role as Cobra on The River that made him a fixture in South African living rooms. 'He was every mother's son, every girl's funny lover, and everyone's best friend,' said Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment at MultiChoice. Presley's portrayal of Cobra was so beloved, it spawned the spin-off Cobrizi. The series, gritty and full of heart, saw Presley shine both in front of the camera and behind it as Executive Producer. 'He didn't just entertain—he made us laugh, made us care, and helped us understand the people behind the stories,' Philiso added. This weekend, fans can relive Presley's greatest moments. Tsotsi airs on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 9 pm on 6 June, and streams on Showmax and DStv Stream. It returns to Mzansi Magic on Saturday, 7 June at 8 pm, and to M-Net Movies 4 on 15 June at 8 pm. Mzansi Bioskop celebrates his legacy with Zama Zama (9 June), and State of Violence (10 June). iNumber Number (11 June), and Tsotsi again on 12 June will all air at 9pm. The Cobrizi finale airs Sunday, 8 June at 8 pm on Mzansi Magic. 'Presley was a friend, a mentor, a beacon of creativity and perseverance,' said his management agency, MLA. South Africa has lost a legend, but his stories and spirit will live on. Robala ka kagiso, Presley Chweneyagae. Your legacy is forever engraved in our hearts and screens. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
