Latest news with #Mahikeng
News24
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
5 iconic moments from The River's Cobra in tribute to Presley Chweneyagae
When it's all said and done, 'I just want to be remembered as an actor who loved his work and who had great respect for others.' These are the words of award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae, who passed away at the age of 40 on Tuesday morning, 27 May 2025, as confirmed by his talent management agency MLA. A family spokesperson explained to Newzroom Afrika that 'There will be two memorial [services]. One will be in Mahikeng, one will be in Johannesburg. Those days will be next week, that will be communicated during the course of this week so that the public is aware that these are the plans.' Mzansi first caught wind of the thespian as the young Tsotsi in the Oscar Award-winning film of the same name, earning him a spot as one of the country's revered creative talents onscreen and performing in theatre productions like A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hamlet, Julius Caesar and more. The Mahikeng-born actor also made his mark on the industry with standout performances in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and as Shoes Moshoeshoe in the action film iNumber Number and it's spinoffs and sequels. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Presley Oageng Chweneyagae (@presleychweneyagae) But few could forget his iconic role as the hilarious Thuso 'Cobra' Mokoena in the Mzansi Magic soapie The River. Presley took on the role and breathed life into it like no other for six years of the show's run from 2019 to 2024, winning two Best Actor awards from the SAFTSAs for his portrayal. He revived the character in 2025 for the 13-part spinoff series called Cobrizi. As family, friends and industry colleagues remember the light he shone in entertainment, we look back at some of Cobrizi's most memorable moments: Dressed to the nines, Cobra comes to the party and represents Tumi at lobola negotiations in the best way possible. Cobrizi proposes to Paulinsky with his newly found mysterious wealth. Cobra is awarded with a new job as a traffic officer after a bribe, calling for 'a young celebreezy with Cobrizi'. Just when the Mokoenas seem to be getting along, Cobra finds out that Morena lied about not stealing Dimpho's laptop. In an act of anger, Cobra beats up Morena. Cobra is forced to represent himself in court after learning about JJ's sudden death but things take a quick sharp turn when he starts bashing Angelina.
News24
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
The year of Cobreezy: Presley Chweneyagae lets us in on his The River character
Award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae died on Tuesday. In his honor, we reflect on a memorable conversation we had with him during the height of his illustrious career. He's a busy man right now. He's helping his son become an ace debater while trying to keep the family together. There's a lot going on in his life, but the one thing that remains constant is his English, which he throws out in spades, whether he's drinking at a tavern or spending time with his family. That's Cobra aka Cobreezy for you. The man who plays him, Presley Chweneyagae, thankfully has none of that kind of drama in real life. He recently scooped an outstanding lead actor award at the Royalty Soapie Awards. We look back back at an interview we did with him. MASSIVE COBRA Presley, who's originally from Mahikeng and is based in Pretoria, says he's enjoying the role of Cobra. His character is fondly known for using big words on the show. 'Cobra would never simply say 'good morning', he would say 'revolutionary greetings' instead,' Presley says with a laugh. 'He's a very interesting character to play. He's a complex in many ways and he is based on many uncles in people's families where you really don't understand why he's not successful when he's so smart. Read more 5 things you didn't know about The River's Presley Chweneyagae 'But in many instances, people's careers are interrupted because the bottle takes over and that changes their lives. 'He's the type of guy who uses big English words to show everyone that he is well-read, that his general knowledge is on point and after a few drinks he is not afraid to tell people's secrets,' he says. One of Cobra's favourite words is 'massive' and he says he chuckles when fans come up to him in public and call him 'Massive'. 'Some of the fans come to me and imitate Cobra or say, 'He, monna, e kae diamond?' (Hey, man, where is the diamond?) because Cobra recently stole it. I am humbled by the way the fans appreciate the character because it reminds us of the human element, it means our work touches them somehow.' GETTING STARTED He started out his career on a high note when the filmed he starred in, Tsotsi, won an Oscar for best foreign language film in 2006. 'When I auditioned for Tsotsi there were seasoned actors who were there for the same role but because I was younger, I got it. It opened many doors for me,' Presley says. He is still in contact with his co-star Terry Pheto who has also gone on to be in major productions such as The Bold and The Beautiful. 'She's my sister. We speak every now and again and it's wonderful to see her doing such great things.' Presley started attending drama classes for R5 in his younger days in Mahikeng and went to Tshwane University of Technology to study acting, but when the opportunity for Tsotsi came along, he took it. He was away from school for more than eight weeks and when he wanted to return, he was told he had missed too much work for that year. He never went back. 'The industry is changing. We must accept that there are people who went to school for this, some have honours and others come in through social media, but acting is not simple, it's more than just 'likes',' he says. He's travelled the world in various theatre productions going to countries like Scotland, Germany and France. 'I've been very fortunate to be able to do something I love. I started in theatre and when this opportunity for a TV role came, I took it with both hands. As an artist, one always seeks to be relevant. The older generation know me as Tsotsi and the skrrr skrrr generation know me as Cobreezy, and it's an honour for me to reach and impact different generations. I'm happy to create a body of work that resonates with the audience. I appreciate the love from the fans and it motivates me to do more.' BAG OF TALENTS His career has seen him play different roles in many productions – including More Than Just a Game and Zama Zama. In The River, he also stars alongside many great actors. 'You learn from the legends. I grew up watching Ntate Don and I've followed Moshidi's career, even in theatre.' Read more | Sindi Dlathu on her character on The River: 'I don't recognize myself when watching her' Acting with experienced actors is great but you can also learn something new when you act with the younger actors who are new to the industry if you open yourself up to it. Whenever there's authenticity in work, that honesty comes out for the viewers. 'It's great when you're in a scene with someone who also works hard, it means you're able to feed off each other. It's great when you take it up a notch knowing the other person in the scene is able to go up with you.' Presley says Cobra has got a lot up his sleeve this season and that in the upcoming episodes of the show, views can expect to see 'fireworks'. 'Things are about to get interesting and there will be relationships that will suffer when loyalty is tested,' he reveals. EXCITING PLANS When he's not acting, he's busy with philanthropic work through his NGO, the Presley Chweneyagae Foundation. 'As a foundation, we do our best to give up-and-coming actors opportunities and teach them about the ins and outs of the industry. 'It's not as glamorous as it looks. We are often up at 4am every day and we work 12 hours. We do motivational talks and workshops as well. Not too long ago we had young actors from Free State, Mpumalanga and the North West in a play about substance abuse. 'The truth is, when you look at substance abuse it doesn't only affect the users but their families and communities as well.' His foundation is also affiliated with the Southern African Youth Movement. Next, he plans to get into animation. 'These youngsters are great with technology and with art, so why not combine the two? There's money in animation and I would like to encourage them to get into those spaces. It's important to get them while they are still young so they know there are other career opportunities and they must not limit themselves to just acting. There are also behind-the-scenes opportunities available to them. 'I would also like to produce my own work going forward,' he adds.
News24
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Award-winning Tsotsi and The River star Presley Chweneyagae dies aged 40
Multi-award-winning actor Presley Chweneyagae, known to viewers as Cobra on The River and recently in the spin-off Cobrizzi, has died at age 40. Chweneyagae rose to international prominence with his starring role in Tsotsi, which won the Academy Award for Foreign Language Film. The Mafikeng-born performer leaves an impressive legacy spanning stage and screen, with numerous accolades. Acclaimed South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, best known for his portrayal of Cobra on 1Magic's The River, has died aged 40. Chweneyagae's death was confirmed by a statement issued by his management MLA on behalf of his family. '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 reads. The actor most recently appeared in Cobrizzi, the Mzansi Magic spin-off of The River. The Mahikeng-born performer rose to international prominence with his starring role in the 2005 film Tsotsi, which captured the Academy Award for Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards. Getty His powerful performance in the title role earned him the Black Movie Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role, establishing him as one of South Africa's most compelling acting talents. His agency added: '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.' Born on 19 October 1984 in what is now the North West province, Chweneyagae discovered his passion for acting early, beginning drama classes at just 10 years old at the North West Arts Council (now known as The Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation). His extensive stage career included performances in numerous productions, including Hamlet (playing the title role), Julius Caesar (as Mark Anthony), A Midsummer Night's Dream (as Bottom and Puck), and Dikeledi, an adaptation of the Greek tragedy Electra. His versatility on stage provided a strong foundation for his later screen success. In addition to his groundbreaking work in Tsotsi, Chweneyagae collected significant accolades throughout his career, including two Golden Awards – one for Best Actor in a Feature Film for Tsotsi and another for Best Actor in a Telenovela for his work in The River, where his portrayal of the complex character Cobra resonated deeply with South African audiences. Beyond television and film, the versatile performer appeared in commercial work, including MTN advertisements, and participated in The National Land Act Exhibition and Beautiful Things. Throughout his three-decade career, Chweneyagae demonstrated remarkable range and depth as a performer, transitioning seamlessly between stage and screen while maintaining a distinctive presence that captivated audiences across different media. This is a developing story, with further details regarding the circumstances of his passing yet to be released.
Mail & Guardian
27-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Solar project adds power to parking areas, rooftops in energy overhaul
More solar panels are being installed at the Biko House postgraduate parking. (Image: NWU) Rows of parked cars and rooftops on the North-West University's (NWU's) Mahikeng Campus now share space with banks of solar panels, part of a campus-wide plan to reshape how electricity is sourced, used and sustained. The new decentralised solar energy system is being installed across most parking areas and rooftops at the campus. The system includes 1 820 panels, each generating 550 watts of power, with a collective capacity of 1 megawatt peak (1MWp). The panels are connected through 15 mini-systems that feed directly into the campus's internal power grid. 'The systems connect to the university's grid through inverters, ensuring that the power generated is used entirely on campus,' says Hendrik Esterhuizen, who oversees energy infrastructure at the NWU. He notes that the system is designed to meet the campus's base load requirements and does not feed power back into Eskom's grid. This is important because it ensures the solar system directly supports the campus's energy needs without relying on the national grid. With the new solar plants, the university enhances energy independence, reduces pressure on the public system and improves resilience during load-shedding or power interruptions. 'It effectively acts as a virtual emergency power generator, supporting the campus's diesel generators by adding additional capacity during load-shedding,' he adds. Cost savings expected in the long run The investment carries long-term cost benefits. Each 100kWp solar unit costs about R2 million, including infrastructure and carport installation, says Esterhuizen. 'While solar is cheaper than grid electricity in the long run, the capital investment must first be recouped.' The expected payback period is five to seven years. Diesel use is the most expensive option, costing roughly four times more than grid electricity, Esterhuizen says. 'Our solar systems are already helping to reduce carbon emissions, and we calculate these reductions monthly.' Building and connecting the systems on a functioning university campus has presented challenges. Construction teams have worked around academic schedules, including tests and exams. Infrastructural limitations, such as available roof space and electrical access points, have required tailored solutions. This solar installation forms part of a broader, phased energy project across the university's three campuses. A 385kWp plant is in place at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, with a 2 500kWp system at Potchefstroom and 1 500kWp at Mahikeng. Future construction and major renovations will include similar solar energy components. The roll-out reflects a university-wide shift towards greater energy independence and measured investment in long-term sustainability.
Mail & Guardian
26-05-2025
- General
- Mail & Guardian
Inheritance in limbo: How the Master's Office fails grieving families
The system turned our mourning into a minefield. Graphic: John McCann/ M&G When a loved one dies, the grief should be sacred. It should be met with compassion, clarity and support. But, in South Africa, mourning often collides with bureaucracy, and what should be a dignified farewell turns into an administrative nightmare, especially when the Master's Office becomes part of the problem. In September 2023, my father passed away. The pain of that loss will remain etched in my memory, not just because of his absence, but because of how the system turned our mourning into a minefield. The tragedy began on my birthday, 4 September, when he suddenly fell ill. By the end of that month, he was gone. We buried him with dignity — or at least tried to. He was a well-respected man, even in death. But the peace we tried to preserve was quickly shattered by his own family. Despite my brother being his only biological child, a group of retired siblings, our aunts and uncles, rushed to the Master's Office in Mahikeng, in North West, to open a file. They were told that the estate's value exceeded the R250 000 threshold and that a lawyer would be required. They were also told something else — they couldn't proceed without the biological child. That's when they came knocking, seeking my younger brother. My mother, ever cautious, sent me to accompany him, a move that would prove critical. We followed the Master's instructions and got a lawyer. My brother was appointed executor through a letter of authority issued under Section 18(3) of the Administration of Estates Act 66 of 1965, which governs estates under a certain threshold where no will exists. That should have been the end of the matter. It was only the beginning. The elusive BI-1663: The gatekeeper to the truth One of the key documents required for claiming policies and processing estate matters is the BI-1663 — the death notice form signed by the funeral parlour and family. Our family couldn't locate it. Why? Because it was being withheld. We approached my father's younger brother in December 2023, during the festive season, a time when families should gather in peace. Instead, we were kicked out of his home and threatened. We pleaded for the form so we could finalise one of the legitimate policies left behind for my little brother. Ironically, this uncle had helped with one of the claims. At the time, no mention was made of a will. He even accused us of 'claiming' when, in truth, we were following due process. The mysterious appearance of a will Then came the shock. When we tried to claim another legitimate policy in January 2024, we were told something chilling — a new letter of executorship had been issued. A will had surfaced. We had never seen it. No one had informed us. And no one had signed for its delivery at the Master's Office. Let that sink in — a completely new executor had been appointed without any notice to the existing one. A will was accepted without transparency and we only discovered it because a private insurer alerted us, not the state. This wasn't just an administrative error. It was negligence that borders on complicity. No signatures. No notifications. No accountability. Under the law, the Master's Office is required to act with transparency and procedural fairness. According to the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act and section 33 of the Constitution, every person has the right to administrative action that is lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair. How does one accept a will without due process? How is it that, months after an executor was formally appointed, a new one can be slipped in through the back door without even a courtesy call to the original applicant? This failure is not unique to our case. In 2020, the Office of the Chief Master acknowledged in parliament that hundreds of cases had been compromised by fraud, mismanagement and missing files. Efforts have been made to digitise processes but these have been poor. The public is left in the dark. Families are told different things at different times. Documents go missing. Queries are ignored. And the human cost? Enormous. This dysfunction has a face — mine. My brother's. And thousands more. I've since learned that we are not alone. Families across the country are calling radio stations, appearing on TV shows like Mamazala and Rea Tsotella , or resorting to expensive private investigators all because the Master's Office is a breeding ground for fraud and betrayal. My family has escalated this. We've engaged signature experts. My family has escalated this. We've engaged handwriting experts and are currently in court disputing the validity of the will. But justice moves slowly — and often too late. Meanwhile, the people who obstructed these processes are living off policies not meant for them, with no regard for the wishes of the deceased, nor the law. This article is just the beginning. It's the first in a series I intend to write, not just about my family, but about the systemic rot that allows this to happen. We need reform. We need digital tracking. We need real-time estate visibility. We need legislation that holds the Master's Office accountable for breaches of trust and protocol. But most of all, we need to start talking. Because until we do, the dead will keep being buried twice — once in the ground and again beneath paperwork and lies. Orateng Lepodise is a writer and communications specialist.
