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The Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae remembered for his impactful storytelling and unrivalled talent
The South African entertainment industry is in mourning following the untimely passing of acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae, who died at the age of 40 from natural causes related to breathing problems. As tributes flood in from across the country, fans and colleagues alike remember the beloved actor for Chweneyagae's memorable performances that left a lasting mark on screens and stages alike. The actor, affectionately known as 'Cobrizi wa le Easy', rose to fame through his unforgettable roles, notably in the popular telenovela The River and his Academy Award-winning performance in the 2005 film Tsotsi . His ability to portray richly nuanced characters endeared him to audiences, making him one of the finest actors to ever grace South African screens. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, shared a poignant tribute, highlighting the inspiring journey of Chweneyagae from humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of hope for youth aspiring towards careers in the arts. 'Presley was proof that where you start in life doesn't have to be where you finish. He was a living reminder that dreams from kasi streets are just as valid as dreams from polished boardrooms,' McKenzie stated. He further acknowledged the profound impact Chweneyagae made during his time, underscoring the storytelling ability that resonated with the soul of the nation. 'The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture mourns the loss of a true trailblazer – a storyteller who held the soul of a nation in his craft. We salute his contribution and commit to ensuring his impact is never forgotten,' McKenzie added while extending condolences to Chweneyagae's family and friends. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Honourable Disebo Tlebere, voiced her grief, stating, 'Our winter has just become colder. The news of Presley Chweneyagae's passing has come as a profound shock, as we had hoped to witness his brilliance for many more years,' Tlebere said. Actress Terry Pheto, who shared an unforgettable moment in Oscar glory with Chweneyagae, voiced her devastation on social media, stating, 'I am shocked and saddened by the news of Presley's sudden passing. My heart goes out to his family and the rest of our friends and colleagues in the film industry.' In remembrance of Chweneyagae's legacy, memorial services are scheduled to take place on June 3 in Mahikeng and June 5 in Gauteng, with his final resting place set for June 7 in Pretoria. [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae remembered for his impactful storytelling and unrivalled talent
The beloved South African actor Presley Chweneyagae has passed away at 40, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of fans and colleagues. The beloved South African actor Presley Chweneyagae has passed away at 40, leaving behind a legacy etched in the hearts of fans and colleagues. The South African entertainment industry is in mourning following the untimely passing of acclaimed actor Presley Chweneyagae, who died at the age of 40 from natural causes related to breathing problems. As tributes flood in from across the country, fans and colleagues alike remember the beloved actor for Chweneyagae's memorable performances that left a lasting mark on screens and stages alike. The actor, affectionately known as 'Cobrizi wa le Easy', rose to fame through his unforgettable roles, notably in the popular telenovela The River and his Academy Award-winning performance in the 2005 film Tsotsi. His ability to portray richly nuanced characters endeared him to audiences, making him one of the finest actors to ever grace South African screens. Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, shared a poignant tribute, highlighting the inspiring journey of Chweneyagae from humble beginnings to becoming a symbol of hope for youth aspiring towards careers in the arts. 'Presley was proof that where you start in life doesn't have to be where you finish. He was a living reminder that dreams from kasi streets are just as valid as dreams from polished boardrooms,' McKenzie stated. He further acknowledged the profound impact Chweneyagae made during his time, underscoring the storytelling ability that resonated with the soul of the nation. 'The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture mourns the loss of a true trailblazer – a storyteller who held the soul of a nation in his craft. We salute his contribution and commit to ensuring his impact is never forgotten,' McKenzie added while extending condolences to Chweneyagae's family and friends. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation (SACR) of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Honourable Disebo Tlebere, voiced her grief, stating, 'Our winter has just become colder. The news of Presley Chweneyagae's passing has come as a profound shock, as we had hoped to witness his brilliance for many more years,' Tlebere said. Actress Terry Pheto, who shared an unforgettable moment in Oscar glory with Chweneyagae, voiced her devastation on social media, stating, 'I am shocked and saddened by the news of Presley's sudden passing. My heart goes out to his family and the rest of our friends and colleagues in the film industry.' In remembrance of Chweneyagae's legacy, memorial services are scheduled to take place on June 3 in Mahikeng and June 5 in Gauteng, with his final resting place set for June 7 in Pretoria. Saturday Star
The South African
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
'Please come back dad': Thabiso mourns Presley Chweneyagae
Thabiso Ramotshela, known for his roles in The River, Youngins , and Blood Legacy , has shared an emotional tribute to his on-screen father, Presley Chweneyagae. The legendary River actor passed away on Tuesday morning at age 40 due to breathing complications. Thabiso, visibly shaken by the loss, took to social media to express his heartbreak. Presley portrayed his father on The River , and they shared a strong bond even beyond the workplace. In a touching Instagram post, Thabiso shared behind-the-scenes clips of their time on set, accompanied by a heartfelt caption. 'Please come back, Dad,' he captioned the post. In a separate TikTok post, the actor shared more of his heartbreak and expressed how deeply he cared for him. 'I don't even know where to start. Goodbye pops. I love you and will see you soon,' he wrote. The passing of Presley has left many devastated. According to the family spokesperson, the Tsotsi star died of natural causes, and there was no foul play involved. 'We want to put the record straight that it was a natural death as far as we are concerned. He had a complication in relation to breathing. Paramedics were called at home, and he was attended to. We appreciate the professional nature of the paramedics.' Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Tuesday evening, Mzwakhe said the actor had never experienced health issues before, and his sudden passing came as a shock to them. 'We spent time with him yesterday (Monday), and there were no signs that something like this could happen. However, we don't want to speculate; we want to allow all the necessary procedures and protocols to take their course.' 'It's safe to say he never struggled; he had always been a healthy person and was doing well. We were with him on Monday, so this is quite shocking,' he said. WHICH ICONIC CHARACTER PLAYED BY PRESLEY IS YOUR FAVOURITE? 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.
Axios
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Twin Cities weekend: Grand Old Day, county rodeo, Turtle Fest
One of the Cities' biggest street festivals returns this Saturday to kick off summer in St. Paul. What to expect: Grand Old Day, which runs from 9am-6pm down Grand Avenue from Dale to Snelling, kicks off with an early 5K run before the parade begins at 9:30am. The festival itself has six stages and four "entertainment zones" with food, artist markets, sports and family fun — plus a car show and wiener dog races. If you go: Most activities are free, but access to five of the six stages and the beverage garden requires a Music Pass, which ranges from $13-$18 for general admission to $30 for pit entry. More things to do ... 🌊 "The Office" meets water skiing Thursday night at the Twin Cities River Rats' first performance of The River, a family-friendly spinoff of the popular sitcom that features jumps, pyramids, balancing acts and more on the Mississippi. Free 🐂 Ride the mechanical bull at the Waconia Rodeo this weekend at the Carver County Fairgrounds. The area's best will compete in bareback bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing, team roping and (real) bull riding at 7pm Friday and Saturday and 1pm Sunday. Bonus: There's a free pancake breakfast Sunday morning from 8-9:30am. $25, kids 5 and under free 🪩 The Totally Fabulous, All-Generations Queer Prom returns for its third year Friday at Springhouse Ministry Center in Minneapolis. 💥 FLOP!, also known as the greatest "comix" show on earth, takes over Odd Mart in south Minneapolis this Saturday and Sunday. 🐢 "Shell-ebrate" neighborhood turtles at Turtle Fest, held at Plymouth's French Regional Park on Sunday.
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Thabiso Ramotshela remembers his on-screen dad, Presley Chweneyagae: memorial and funeral plans revealed
Actor Thabiso Ramotshela mourns the loss of Presley Chweneyagae. Image: Instagram Actor Thabiso Ramotshela is mourning the loss of his on-screen father, Presley Chweneyagae, who played Thuso 'Cobra' Mokoena in the once-popular Mzansi Magic telenovela, 'The River'. Ramotshela, who portrayed Cobra's son Morena Mokoena in the show, paid a heartfelt tribute to his on-screen father through a TikTok video. The emotional clip showcased moments from their time on set, Ramotshela captioned it with a touching message: 'I don't even know where to start. Goodbye pops. I love you and will see you soon.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The talented actor's notable roles extend beyond 'The River', with standout performances in 'Tsotsi', which won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006, and 'Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom'. He also starred as a police officer in 'iNumber Number' alongside S'dumo Mtshali, cementing his status as a household name. His recent role as Thuso 'Cobra' Mokoena in 'Cobrizi', a spin-off from the award-winning series 'The River', also showcased his versatility as an actor. Chweneyagae died on Tuesday, May 27, at the age of 40 due to natural causes. According to the family spokesperson, Mzwakhe Sigudla, Chweneyagae's death was due to complications related to breathing. Despite the efforts of paramedics who were called to his residence, the actor did not make it and succumbed to death, with his passing being confirmed by his talent management, Moonyeenn Lee & Associates (MLA). Additionally, the family spokesperson, Mzwakhe Sigudla, spoke to the media, sharing funeral and memorial service details outside Chweneyagae's home in Pretoria. He added that there will be two memorial services held next week to celebrate the talented actor's life. The first memorial service will take place in Mahikeng on Tuesday, June 3, followed by a second one in Pretoria on Thursday, June 5. The family spokesperson also shared that Chweneyagae's funeral will be on Saturday, June 7, with the venue still to be confirmed.
