Latest news with #SouthAfricanCinema
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Presley Chweneyagae: South Africans remember acting 'icon' who died age 40
South Africans are paying tribute to actor Presley Chweneyagae, who has died at the age of a statement announcing his death, his agency described him as a "South African icon" and one of the country's "most gifted and beloved actors".The South African government published a post on X describing him as "a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts".Chweneyagae, who was born in 1984 in South Africa's North-West Province, got his big international break after starring in the 2005 film Tsotsi, which earned the country its first Oscar for best foreign language film. Tsotsi, a powerful crime film in which Chweneyagae plays the lead role, explores gang life in a South African township. Chweneyagae also starred in the Nelson Mandela biopic Long Walk to Freedom in 2013, as well as acting in various theatre productions. The South African Film and Television Awards described him as a "true legend of South African cinema" and a "powerhouse performer".The Ministry of Sports, Art and Culture released a statement highlighting his role in the popular South African series River and Cobrizzi."The Department of Sports, Art and Culture, mourns the loss of a true trailblazer - a storyteller who held the soul of a nation in his craft," Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said in the statement. More about African film from the BBC: Trailblazing African film-maker and Cannes winner diesIdris Elba: Why I'm planning a move to AfricaTeenage actress takes on child marriage in role mirroring real life Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Presley Chweneyagae, star of Oscar-winning drama Tsotsi, dies aged 40
Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained international recognition for his leading role in the 2005 film Tsotsi, which won South Africa's first ever Oscar for best foreign language film, has died. He was 40 years old. His talent agency MLA on Tuesday confirmed Chweneyagae's death and said South Africa had lost one of its 'most gifted and beloved actors'. 'His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain integral to his legacy,' the MLA CEO, Nina Morris Lee, said in a statement. She gave no details about the cause of death. Chweneyagae's three-decade-long career spanned theatre, television and film. His award-winning performance in Tsotsi, based on the 1961 novel by South Africa's pre-eminent playwright Athol Fugard and directed by Gavin Hood, catapulted him to international stardom. Chweneyagae was also a gifted writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play Relativity with Paul Grootboom. The South African government paid tribute to Chweneyagae, lauding his outstanding contribution to the film, television and theatre fraternity. 'The nation mourns the loss of a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts,' the government said in a post on X. 'Your legacy will live on through the powerful stories you told.' The South Africa Film and Television Awards organization, known as Safta, paid tribute to Chweneyagae, calling him a 'true legend of South African Cinema' on X. 'Rest in Power … a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts,' Safta posted. The secretary general of the ANC, the party that dominated South African politics for 30 years, offered his condolences. Fikile Mbalula described Chweneyagae as a 'giant of South African film and theatre'. 'His legacy in Tsotsi, The River, and beyond will live on. Condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance,' Mbalula said.
Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mail & Guardian
Tsotsi star Presley Chweneyagae dies at 40
Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed actor who captured hearts worldwide with his powerful portrayal in Tsotsi. South Africa is mourning the death of Presley Chweneyagae, the acclaimed actor who captured hearts worldwide with his powerful portrayal in Tsotsi . He died on 27 May 2025, at the age of 40, exactly two decades after the film's release. A statement from his agency Moonyeenn Lee Associates read: '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.' Born on 19 October 1984, in Mafikeng, Chweneyagae's journey into acting began in his youth. Encouraged by his mother, he honed his craft at a drama school led by renowned playwright Mpumelelo Paul Grootboom. His breakthrough came in 2005 when he was cast as David, known as Tsotsi, in Gavin Hood's adaptation of Athol Fugard's novel. The film, set in Johannesburg's Alexandra township, tells the story of a hardened gang leader who undergoes a profound transformation after inadvertently kidnapping a baby. Chweneyagae's performance was lauded for its depth and authenticity. Tsotsi won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 78th Academy Awards, marking a significant achievement for South African cinema. In addition, Chweneyagae received the Black Movie Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role. His portrayal resonated globally, earning him recognition at various international film festivals. Following his success in Tsotsi , Chweneyagae continued to build a diverse career in both film and television. He appeared in notable theatre performances, such as Hamlet , Julius Caesar and Beautiful Things . On television, he gained acclaim for his role in the telenovela The River as Cobra , where his portrayal earned him a Golden Horn at the South African Film and Television Awards. Condolences from the people in the industry and government are pouring in, with Gauteng MEC for education, sport, arts, culture and recreation Matome Chiloane saying: 'On behalf of the people of Gauteng, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Chweneyagae family, friends and the entire performing arts industry. May his soul rest in eternal peace.' Chweneyagae's death is a profound loss to the South African entertainment industry and the global arts community. His legacy endures through his memorable performances and his dedication to social causes. As we reflect on his contributions, we remember a talented actor who used his platform to tell compelling stories and inspire the world commemorates the 20th anniversary of Tsotsi , we honour Presley Chweneyagae's memory and the indelible mark he left on the world of cinema.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, who starred in Oscar-winning film 'Tsotsi', dies aged 40
Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained international recognition for his leading role in the 2005 film "Tsotsi", which won South Africa's first ever Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, has died. He was 40 years old. His talent agency MLA on Tuesday confirmed Chweneyagae's death and said South Africa had lost one of its 'most gifted and beloved actors.' 'His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain integral to his legacy,' MLA CEO Nina Morris Lee said in a statement. She gave no details about the cause of death. Chweneyagae's three-decade-long career spanned theatre, television, and film. His award-winning performance in 'Tsotsi,' based on the 1961 novel by South Africa's preeminent playwright Athol Fugard and directed by Gavin Hood, catapulted him to international stardom. Chweneyagae was also a gifted writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play 'Relativity' with Paul Grootboom. The South African government paid tribute to Chweneyagae, lauding his outstanding contribution to the film, television and theatre fraternity. 'The nation mourns the loss of a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts,' the government said in a post on X. 'Your legacy will live on through the powerful stories you told.' The South Africa Film and Television Awards organization, known as SAFTA, paid tribute to Chweneyagae, calling him a 'true legend of South African Cinema" on X. 'Rest in Power … a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts,' SAFTA posted. The secretary general of the ANC, the party that dominated South African politics for 30 years, offered his condolences. Fikile Mbalula described Chweneyagae as a 'giant of South African film and theatre.' 'His legacy in 'Tsotsi,' 'The River,' and beyond will live on. Condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance,' Mbalula said.
Washington Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
South African actor Presley Chweneyagae, who starred in Oscar-winning film 'Tsotsi', dies aged 40
JOHANNESBURG — Presley Chweneyagae, the South African actor who gained international recognition for his leading role in the 2005 film 'Tsotsi', which won South Africa's first ever Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, has died. He was 40 years old. His talent agency MLA on Tuesday confirmed Chweneyagae's death and said South Africa had lost one of its 'most gifted and beloved actors.' 'His passion for empowering the next generation of artists will remain integral to his legacy,' MLA CEO Nina Morris Lee said in a statement. She gave no details about the cause of death. Chweneyagae's three-decade-long career spanned theatre, television, and film. His award-winning performance in 'Tsotsi,' based on the 1961 novel by South Africa's preeminent playwright Athol Fugard and directed by Gavin Hood, catapulted him to international stardom. Chweneyagae was also a gifted writer and director, co-authoring the internationally acclaimed stage play 'Relativity' with Paul Grootboom. The South African government paid tribute to Chweneyagae, lauding his outstanding contribution to the film, television and theatre fraternity. 'The nation mourns the loss of a gifted storyteller whose talent lit up our screens and hearts,' the government said in a post on X. 'Your legacy will live on through the powerful stories you told.' The South Africa Film and Television Awards organization, known as SAFTA, paid tribute to Chweneyagae, calling him a 'true legend of South African Cinema' on X. 'Rest in Power … a powerhouse performer whose talent left an indelible mark on our screens and in our hearts,' SAFTA posted. The secretary general of the ANC, the party that dominated South African politics for 30 years, offered his condolences. Fikile Mbalula described Chweneyagae as a 'giant of South African film and theatre.' 'His legacy in 'Tsotsi,' 'The River,' and beyond will live on. Condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance,' Mbalula said.
